J&K bus attack investigation: 50 detained, search operation expanded to remote areas of Reasi district

After the terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 50 people have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation, confirmed a police officer on June 13.

The search operation to locate the terrorists has been expanded to the remote areas of Arnas and Mahore in the Reasi district, which were known hotspots for terrorist activity between 1995 and 2005.

The attack on bus occurred on June 9 when terrorists opened fire on a 53-seater bus carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi.

The bus was traveling from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.

The gunfire caused the bus to veer off the road and plunge into a deep gorge, resulting in the death of nine people and injuring 41 others.

In a conversation with PTI, a representative from the police department verified that 50 individuals have been taken into custody following a thorough investigation into the fatal assault.

The representative stated, "We have discovered substantial clues that are assisting us in identifying and apprehending those who might have played a role in planning the attack. To ensure a thorough investigation, we have broadened our search operations to include the remote regions of Arnas and Mahore." This statement was attributed to the spokesperson by PTI.

These leads have aided in identifying and apprehending those potentially involved in planning the attack.

“We have discovered important clues that are assisting us in identifying and apprehending those who might have been involved in planning the attack,” a police spokesperson said.

The police have released a sketch of one of the terrorists and have announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to the neutralization of the culprits.

The law enforcement agencies are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the area.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, Mohita Sharma, has requested the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

The survivors of the attack, who were from different states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi, are still struggling to recover from the shock.

They had visited the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine near Katra town and were returning from the Shiv Khori shrine when their bus was targeted by militants.