Special NIA court issues Letter Rogatory to China in Pahalgam terror attack probe

New Delhi: In a fresh development in the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, a Special NIA court in Jammu has issued a Letter Rogatory to the competent judicial authority in China for assistance in tracing the supply chain and end-user details of a mobile phone linked to the probe into last year's attack. The Special Judge passed the order in response to an application filed by the Deputy Inspector General, IA, Sandeep Choudhary. Terrorists affiliated with Pakistan-based LeT outfit struck Pahalgam hill resort on April 22 last year, killing 25 tourists and a local guide. According to the application, the NIA seized various material objects and electronic devices connected with the conspiracy and execution of the attack. One such electronic device is a GoPro Hero 12 Black Camera which is relevant for establishing pre-attack reconnaissance, movement and operational preparation of the terrorist module involved in the attack. "A lawful notice under the BNSS was issued to the manufacturer GoPro B V. In response, GoPro B V has informed that the said camera was supplied to AE Group International Ltd, a distributor based in the People's Republic of China; and the camera was activated on January 30, 2024, at Dongguan, People's Republic of China. The order said the Ministry of Home Affairs has given its concurrence for the issuance of the Letter Rogatory to China for seeking legal assistance in the investigation of the case. The information sought is very important for "establishing the chain of custody, user, attribution and evidentiary linkage of seized device which was supplied to AE Group International Ltd, a distributor based in China", the judge said. (With Agency Inputs)