Hafiz Saeed (File photo) NEW DELHI: National Investigation Agency (NIA) Monday chargesheeted Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed for plotting and masterminding the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, in which 25 tourists were killed by three Pakistani terrorists in front of their families. One J&K resident was also shot dead.NIA said the second chargesheet has details of the role played by Saeed, with supporting evidence compiled by it based “on meticulous and scientific investigation and on-ground examination”.NIA finds digital trail to LeT in Pahalgam attackThe second NIA chargesheet came almost seven months after NIA filed the original chargesheet naming six people, including Pakistani terror handler and Hafiz Saeed’s close aide Sajid Jatt.Saeed, who has in the past figured in multiple terror chargesheets, including in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case, was Monday charged in the Pahalgam case both in his individual capacity and as chief of LeT and its proxy The Resistance Front (TRF).Both LeT and TRF are proscribed as “terrorist” outfits in India under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. As per Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Saeed shall face trial in absentia, enabling courts to pronounce judgment.Sources said Saeed – in line with instructions given by Pakistani state actors and the ISI – had told Jatt to carry out a major attack in Pahalgam, targeted against security forces or tourists.There were specific directions to engage only Pakistani terrorists to execute the attack, while keeping involvement of local Kashmiris minimal and strictly on a need-to-know basis.This was done to keep the plot tightly under wraps and retain the ‘surprise’ element so as to maximise casualties, said a source.NIA unearthed irrefutable evidence, including chats, mobile data analysis and GPS logs, on the involvement of top LeT brass in planning as well as successful execution of the Pahalgam attack.Saeed has been charged under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and UAPA. NIA also invoked the penal section against the accused for waging war against India and hatching a conspiracy from across the border in the chargesheet.In its earlier chargesheet filed on Dec 15, 2025, NIA had named Pakistani handler terrorist Jatt as an accused, along with three terrorists killed by security forces during Operation Mahadev in July 2025, as well as two arrested accused. It had also charged LeT/TRF as a legal entity that planned, facilitated and executed the carnage of tourists after identifying their religious faith.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRam Mandir Trust Meeting: Champat Rai’s Resignation Accepted, Donated Items Put On DisplayPM Modi Praises BJP Chief Nitin Nabin After Kejriwal’s ‘Who Are You’ Remark | WatchBaruipur Rape Horror: Mamata Leads Protest, CM Suvendu Vows to Ensure Death PenaltyRam Mandir Trust Chief Demands Strict Action As Donation Probe Intensifies FurtherIran Terms India’s Attendance At Khamenei Funeral ‘Deeply Valued Gesture’, Sends Formal GratitudeWedding, Car, Cash Gifts: Ram Temple Donation ‘Theft’ Accused’s Rs 19 Lakh Spending TrailMajor Landslide Hits Mumbai-Pune’s ‘Missing Link’; Flooding And Diversions Trigger Long Traffic JamsCongress Vows Fierce Fight Against Bill To Remove Ministers After 30 Days In CustodyAAP MP Sanjay Singh Targets VHP Chief Over Ram Mandir Probe, Demands Wider InvestigationGymkhana Club Challenges Eviction Notice, Delhi High Court Issues Notice To Centre | Watch123Photostories5 amazing cheetah facts that most people don’t know5 viral money affirmations people are repeating to attract wealth and abundanceFrom the nightingale to the canary: 5 birds with the world’s most beautiful songs6 pet fish that can live for several years with proper care: Long-living aquarium fish perfect for beginners and experienced owners8 everyday habits that kids raised in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s rarely needed reminders for and what today’s parents can learn from them10 weird fruit trees you won’t believe actually existKangana Ranaut’s blue Leheriya saree is the bold airport fashion statement of the seasonCopperhead vs Water snake: 6 easy ways to tell the difference quickly7 summer potato salads that are filling, nutritious and finger-licking deliciousJEE Advanced AIR 2 Kabir Chhillar shares 5 smart prediction tips that worked for him123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralThomas TuchelMumbai school holidayKimi AntonelliBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment
NEW DELHI: National Investigation Agency (NIA) Monday chargesheeted Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed for plotting and masterminding the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, in which 25 tourists were killed by three Pakistani terrorists in front of their families. One J&K resident was also shot dead.NIA said the second chargesheet has details of the role played by Saeed, with supporting evidence compiled by it based “on meticulous and scientific investigation and on-ground examination”.NIA finds digital trail to LeT in Pahalgam attackThe second NIA chargesheet came almost seven months after NIA filed the original chargesheet naming six people, including Pakistani terror handler and Hafiz Saeed’s close aide Sajid Jatt.Saeed, who has in the past figured in multiple terror chargesheets, including in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case, was Monday charged in the Pahalgam case both in his individual capacity and as chief of LeT and its proxy The Resistance Front (TRF).Both LeT and TRF are proscribed as “terrorist” outfits in India under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. As per Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, Saeed shall face trial in absentia, enabling courts to pronounce judgment.Sources said Saeed – in line with instructions given by Pakistani state actors and the ISI – had told Jatt to carry out a major attack in Pahalgam, targeted against security forces or tourists.There were specific directions to engage only Pakistani terrorists to execute the attack, while keeping involvement of local Kashmiris minimal and strictly on a need-to-know basis.This was done to keep the plot tightly under wraps and retain the ‘surprise’ element so as to maximise casualties, said a source.NIA unearthed irrefutable evidence, including chats, mobile data analysis and GPS logs, on the involvement of top LeT brass in planning as well as successful execution of the Pahalgam attack.Saeed has been charged under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and UAPA. NIA also invoked the penal section against the accused for waging war against India and hatching a conspiracy from across the border in the chargesheet.In its earlier chargesheet filed on Dec 15, 2025, NIA had named Pakistani handler terrorist Jatt as an accused, along with three terrorists killed by security forces during Operation Mahadev in July 2025, as well as two arrested accused. It had also charged LeT/TRF as a legal entity that planned, facilitated and executed the carnage of tourists after identifying their religious faith.
