NIA to seek Pak help in probe

The National Investigation Agency will seek the help of Pakistan in solving the Pathankot terror attack case once the identity of people contacted by the perpetrators is established.

India is also expected to send to Pakistan a letter rogatory (LR) along with DNA samples of slain terrorists, their phone call details, numbers of handlers based in that country and other information to help nab the mastermind of the crime.

NIA chief Sharad Kumar on Tuesday said solving the conspiracy behind the attack is a very big challenge, but recalled how the agency had in the past established the identity of culprits in many blind cases. “It’s a very challenging case and a lot of investigation needs to be done. Therefore, I am not fixing any deadline to the case, but we will try to complete the probe soon,” Mr Kumar said. The agency on Monday registered three cases in connection with the brazen terror strike, including the murder of a taxi driver by suspected terrorists, kidnapping of a superintendent of police-rank officer and attack on the IAF base on the intervening night of January 1 and 2. The agency sleuths will thoroughly examine Punjab Police SP Salwinder Singh, who was kidnapped along with a jeweller friend and a cook by the terrorists.

The NIA will verify the antecedents of Mr Singh, the purpose of his visit to the secluded area in Pathankot at the odd hours and why he was not accompanied by any of his PSOs besides others, sources added.

When asked about the nationality of the terrorists involved in Pathankot attack, NIA chief said there was little doubt that the accused were from Pakistan.