NIA arrests Pulwama resident for attack on CRPF convoy

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 7

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested a south Kashmir resident for allegedly providing logistical support to the militants involved in planning the deadly 2019 deadly Pulwama attack that had left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

‘Extended logistic support to JeM ultras’

Bilal Kuchey, who is running a sawmill at his place, harboured and extended logistic support to the JeM terrorists involved in the Pulwama attack. The main perpetrators in the case stayed in his house and he further introduced them to other overground workers, who provided them safe houses during their stay and the planning of the attack. — NIA spokesperson

A spokesperson of the NIA identified the arrested militant associate as Bilal Ahmed Kuchey of Hajibal, Kakapora Pulwama. He is the seventh person to be arrested in connection with the attack.

“Bilal Kuchey, who is running a sawmill at his place, harboured and extended logistic support to the JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammad) terrorists involved in the Pulwama attack. The main perpetrators in the case stayed in his house and he further introduced them to other OGWs (overground workers) who provided them safe houses during their stay and the planning of the attack,” the spokesperson said.

“He provided the JeM terrorists with high-end mobile phones which were used by them to communicate with the Pakistan-based JeM leadership as well as among themselves for giving final touches to their planning and for the execution of the attack. Further, the mobile phone provided by him was also used for recording the video clip of Fidayeen Adil Ahmed Dar, which became viral after the attack,” spokesperson added.

Kuchey was produced before the NIA Special Court, Jammu, on Monday and 10-day NIA remand was taken for his custodial interrogation.

Jaish was responsible for the deadliest ever attack on the forces in February 2019 when a local suicide bomber Adil Dar rammed his explosive-laden car into a CRPF bus, leaving 40 personnel of the force dead.

The attack was followed by the Balakote air strikes. The Pulwama attack had brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war.