Centre may hand over Gurdaspur terror attack probe to NIA

The Centre may hand over the Gurdaspur attack probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), given its international ramifications.

The Centre may hand over the Gurdaspur attack probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), given its international ramifications.

The night vision device was found near a stretch of the Amritsar-Pathankot railway track to which five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were tied to derail a passing train. (PTI File Photo)

“A night vision device found near the railway track where five improvised explosive devices were planted is marked as ‘Property of the US Government’. It may have been used by the US soldiers in Afghanistan or in Pakistan. We are verifying with the US authorities. Deliberations are on to hand over the case to the NIA considering its international ramifications. The ministry may take a call in the next couple of days,” said a home ministry official, requesting anonymity.

The government agencies are in touch with the US authorities who are keen on helping the Indian government with the probe, said sources.

“US help has been sought not only to find the origins of the sophisticated night vision device, but also to analyse the two Global Position System (GPS) devices recovered from the three slain gunmen,” added the official.

According to home ministry sources, a group of three gunmen, suspected to belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba, crossed over to India from Pakistan on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday to reach the border town of Dinanagar. The gunmen killed four policemen and three civilians.

“Though the gunmen were carrying assault rifles with markings erased, the US authorities can help us find their origin,” said the official.