NIA takes over probe of deadly attack on pilgrims’ bus in Jammu’s Reasi

SRINAGAR — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of investigating the recent attack on a bus in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, where nine people, including three women, were killed, and 41 others injured, officials said here on Monday.

The incident occurred on June 9 when militants ambushed the bus carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi en route to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine from Shiv Khori temple at Katra. Following the attack, the Union Home Ministry made the decision to hand over the probe to the NIA.

The move came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted consecutive meetings to assess the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in light of recent militancy-related activities.

This included an attack on a joint checkpost in Bhaderwah and an assault on a search party in Gandoh, resulting in injuries to some security personnel.