The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified Pakistan-based terrorist Sajid Jatt as the main planner behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, according to a chargesheet filed on Monday. Jatt, also known as Saifullah, has been described as the “chief conspirator” of the attack that killed 26 people.
Who is Sajid Jatt Named Mastermind of Pahalgam Attack By NIA
The NIA said Sajid Jatt is a senior operative of the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He is believed to operate from Pakistan and is accused of running The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-linked proxy outfit. The TRF had earlier claimed responsibility for the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.
Investigators stated that Jatt works closely with handlers across the border and controls terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan. He allegedly supervises planning, target selection, timing of attacks, and logistics using encrypted communication platforms.
By officially naming Jatt as the mastermind, the NIA has once again pointed to Pakistan’s direct involvement in cross-border terrorism. The agency said it traced funding channels, instructions, and operational planning back to Pakistan, which India has repeatedly accused of sheltering and supporting terror groups.
TRF Described as Lashkar Front Group
Earlier reports had explained that TRF is not an independent local group, as Pakistan has claimed, but a front created by Lashkar-e-Taiba in 2019. According to investigators, this was done to give Pakistan “plausible deniability” and reduce international pressure, particularly from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
CNN-News18 had earlier reported that Sajid Jatt, as an operational commander of LeT, has been managing Kashmir-based terror modules while staying in Pakistan. He allegedly coordinates attacks and guides local terrorists while remaining safely across the border.
Key Details From the NIA Chargesheet
In its chargesheet, the NIA named seven accused in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack. The agency also charged the banned LeT-TRF as an organisation for its role in planning, supporting, and carrying out the attack. The chargesheet runs into 1,597 pages and was filed.
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