Interpol help sought on Pathankot attack

With the Indian security agencies making it clear that the six terrorists killed after the gunfight at Pathankot air base came from Pakistan, the National Invest-igation Agency is all set to approach CBI — the nodal agency for the Interpol in India — for issuance of the “Blue” and “Black” corner notices to seek additional information about the deceased from the member countries, including Pakistan, through the International police (Interpol).

Sources said Black and Blue corner notices, which can help get more information about the dead, can only be issued through Interpol when the concerned investigative agency submits required details of the killed terrorists to the CBI. Normally, a Blue corner notice is issued to collect additional information about a person’s identity or activities in relation to a crime.

The Black Corner Notices are issued so that member countries come forward and claim bodies”. The Black Corner Notice will also help in tracing their origin or native place. “Details of the family members of the militants who were killed are yet to be found. There should be enough evidence to prove their linkage with a particular militant outfit”, sources said. Soon after completing its probe, the NIA will certainly approach CBI in this regard, they added.

Indian authorities believe that the Bahawalpur-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) carried out the attack on Pathankot. The terrorists were carrying 40-50 kg of bullets, mortars, modified under-barrel grenade launchers besides some magazines. India has already identified the four handlers of JeM, who were in touch with the six terrorists. India has also shared the telephone numbers and the identity of the handlers with Pakistan and has asked it to act on these individuals. India is also expected to send to Pakistan a letter rogatory along with DNA samples of the terrorists.