In the continuing investigation into the brutal Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, which left 26 people dead, a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team has recorded the statement of Sujata, the wife of Bharat Bhushan, one of the victims. The session reportedly lasted nearly eight hours and focused on meticulously piecing together the sequence of events surrounding the attack.
During questioning, the NIA sought specific information from Sujata, such as:
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The exact date and time they arrived in Kashmir.
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Their location when the terrorists struck, and Bharat Bhushan’s position at that moment.
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Details about the terrorists' language, communication, and behavior.
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Whether she noticed any distinctive marks, facial features, or specific clothing on the attackers.
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Descriptions of the weapons the terrorists carried.
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Whether there was any interaction between her and the assailants, and how she responded.
To aid the investigation, officials also presented Sujata with sketches of possible suspects, hoping to identify or rule out individuals based on her observations. Her testimony is crucial, as eyewitness accounts are helping investigators build profiles of the attackers and understand their modus operandi.
Meanwhile, the NIA was preparing to visit the family of another victim, Manjunath from Shivamogga. His wife, Pallavi, confirmed that she had been informed by local police that the agency would reach out to her shortly for a similar statement recording.
Revenue Department officials have also been active on the ground, visiting Bharat Bhushan’s family to collect necessary documents — including his bank account details, Aadhaar and PAN cards, and the death certificate. These documents are required to process the ₹10 lakh compensation announced by the government for the victims’ families.
The Pahalgam terror attack has sent shockwaves across the country, as it claimed the lives of innocent tourists and locals who had simply come to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir. The NIA’s investigation, which includes witness statements, forensic analysis, and video footage like that recorded by the local photographer, is now crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
