JOIN USThe National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday made more recoveries from the Pathankot airbase, which was a target of terror strike a week ago, even as it questioned a Punjab Police officer for his suspicious role in the whole episode.
Investigators also decided to approach the Interpol to issue a black corner notice on four dead terrorists to seek information on unidentified bodies. They also send body parts recovered from the site for forensic examinations to ascertain whether it belonged to two remaining terrorists, who were blown up during the operation.
During searches in the airbase, a 10-member team led by a Deputy Inspector General-level officer recovered an AK-47 magazine, mobile phone and a binocular from the scene of crime. These recoveries, sources said, would further strengthen India’s claims about role of Jaish-e-Mohammed in the Pathankot attack. Sources had earlier said that the terrorists had carried huge amount of arms and ammunition.
Salwinder Singh, the Superintendent of Police who was abducted by terrorists, was also questioned at the NIA headquarters here for the entire day. Investigators have found discrepancies in his statements as well as that of his cook Madan Gopal and friend Rajesh Verma who were also abducted along with him.
Security agencies suspect that the terrorists might have used smugglers’ network to enter India and transport arms to the airbase. It is being investigated whether the officer was part of the network, which helped the terrorists.
Investigators have not given a clean chit to the Punjab Police officer, who is now an Assistant Commandant in Punjab Armed Police, and will continue his questioning on Tuesday as well.
“His examination was not completed, he is being summoned for questioning tomorrow (Tuesday),” a Home Ministry spokesperson said.
The NIA will review his responses and then decide on whether to approach court seeking its permission for conducting polygraph test on him.
Official sources said there is no plan to arrest the police officer at present and a call will be taken on whether to make him an accused or witness based on facts that will emerge during questioning.
Questioning of Verma and Gopal continued in Punjab. Gopal will be called for questioning in Delhi soon, the spokesperson said. Verma, who was attacked by terrorists, could also be summoned to Delhi once his medical condition permits.