Over 100 people questioned in Pahalgam attack probe

SRINAGAR — Investigators have questioned more than 100 individuals, including local shopkeepers, ponywallas, and a zipline operator identified as Muzamil, in connection with the last week’s terror attack in Pahalgam that left 25 tourists and a local dead.

The case is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Muzamil, who appeared in a viral video recorded at the time of the attack, was summoned to the Pahalgam Police Station on Monday evening. The video, captured by a tourist during a ziplining activity, recorded the moment the firing began.

In the video, a person can be seen being hit and falling in the background, while the tourist filming remained unaware of the unfolding tragedy.

Sources said investigators are questioning Muzamil about why he shouted “Allah Akbar” before releasing the tourist, identified as Rishi Bhatt, on the zipline.

Muzamil’s family, however, defended the chant, saying it is a common religious expression used in moments of fear or distress.

“The day the Pahalgam attack occurred, he came home, sat alone, and cried. It’s normal to say ‘Allah Akbar’ when fear grips you—be it due to an accident or calamity,” Muzamil’s father said, adding that his son has been working as a zipline operator for over three years.

A forensic team has also been stationed at Pahalgam, to assist with the investigation.

Sources said the NIA is piecing together the sequence of events and gathering intelligence on the attackers.

They said the agency is focusing on even the minutest details, questioning every eyewitness and those who were present at the scene of the carnage. Sources said over 1200 people were present inside the vast Baisaran meadow.

Investigators are also looking at crucial video footage by a local resident, who is believed to have been hiding atop a tree for over an hour after the first gunshots were fired.

Sources said he may hold crucial information.

While the attackers continue to be at large, the massive search operation in and around Pahalgam continued for the seventh consecutive day on Tuesday.