NIA chargesheet names Hafiz Saeed as mastermind of Pahalgam attack

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday filed a supplementary chargesheet naming Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed as the mastermind behind the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

The chargesheet was presented before the Special NIA Court in Jammu. The agency has accused Saeed both in his individual capacity and as the head and founder of the banned outfit LeT and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF).

On April 22, 2025, terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, killing 25 tourists and a local guide. The attack drew widespread condemnation.

According to the NIA, evidence indicates the entire plot was orchestrated from Pakistan. Saeed, the agency said, directed the terrorists, planned the operation, and monitored its execution from across the border.

Saeed has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. Charges include waging war against India and criminal conspiracy.

The supplementary chargesheet is an extension of the original 1,597-page chargesheet. It details Pakistan's role, Saeed's direct involvement, and scientific, forensic and technical evidence collected from the attack site.

On December 15, 2025, the NIA had filed its first chargesheet naming Pakistan-based handler Sajid Jatt. It also named three terrorists killed in 'Operation Mahadev' in July 2025, two arrested accused, and the banned outfits LeT/TRF for conspiring and executing the attack.

The NIA said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire terror network operating from Pakistan and to expose all links and handlers behind the attack.