Charge sheet lodged against 12 suspects in Kashmiri Pandit’s murder case

Sanjay Sharma (40) shot dead by terrorists at point-blank range in Achan, Pulwama, South Kashmir on February 26.

| Updated: 21 January, 2024 2:14 pm IST

SRINAGAR: In a major breakthrough, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has presented an exhaustive charge sheet against 12 individuals implicated in the brutal murder of Kashmiri Pandit, Sanjay Sharma. Originally under the jurisdiction of Police Station Litter Pulwama, the case was later entrusted to SIA Kashmir for a specialised investigation.

The appalling crime transpired on February 26, 2023, at Achhan Pulwama. Subsequent investigations exposed a more extensive conspiracy with origins traced beyond the border. The primary motive behind the murder was to instigate discord and communal disharmony in the valley, strategically leveraging the incident to perpetuate terrorism.

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SIA Kashmir, spearheading the investigation, conducted sweeping searches across South Kashmir, unearthing pivotal physical and technical evidence. This evidence revealed the involvement of the accused in various aspects of the crime, including logistical support, harbouring, and concealing evidence. The charge sheet, formally submitted to the Special Designated Court under the NIA Act at Pulwama, enumerates the terror accused, some of whom are presently in judicial custody.

Speaking with The New Indian, a senior SIA police official stated, “The investigation brought to light that the accused individuals were

following instructions from terror handlers across the border, maintaining communication via encrypted online messaging platforms. Notably, several accused have met their fate in encounters with security forces, while others remain at large.

He further emphasised, “SIA is unwavering in its commitment to pursue the case diligently within the legal framework, ensuring justice for all parties involved in the crime. The investigation is ongoing, with the agency dedicated to apprehending all accused and delivering justice.”