NIA joins investigation, searches extend to nearby villages
Kulgam, Nov 13: Jammu and Kashmir Police have questioned more than 300 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) during the past three days in connection with the Kulgam terror attack that left three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel wounded earlier this week.
A top police officer said, “Till now 300 OGWs have been questioned. Assailants will soon be nailed.”
The officer said that questioning OGWs is part of the investigation and many of them have been released.
According to the details available with KNO a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also joined the investigation. “The NIA team visited the scene and collected forensic evidence. Investigating agencies are examining footage from nearby CCTV cameras to trace the attackers’ movements and their escape routes,” said another official.
Meanwhile, a massive search operation to track down the attackers involved in the firing on the CRPF party continued for the third consecutive day on Friday, with security forces extending searches to nearby villages.
Pertinently, terrorists had opened fire on a CRPF party at Akhran village of Kulgam, on Wednesday, injuring three personnel and triggering a massive cordon and search operation in the area.
Officials said that security forces have maintained a heightened vigil across the district, with barricades erected and armoured vehicles deployed at several locations. Vehicles are being stopped and frisked at security checkpoints as part of intensified security measures.
They said security agencies are using both human and technical intelligence to develop leads and trace the attackers. Several suspects have also been picked up by police for questioning as part of the investigation.
Search teams are combing residential localities, orchards and adjoining areas, with sniffer dogs also pressed into service to assist the operation. Searches are being conducted at multiple locations across the district through coordinated efforts of police and other security forces.
Security has been strengthened at several places across Kashmir, with police and paramilitary personnel and Army conducting random vehicle checks as part of heightened surveillance—(KNO)
