NIA registers first case abroad, begins probe in Kabul Gurudwara attack

Last updated on February 9th, 2023 at 12:50 pm

Days after the attack on Gurudwara in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul in which 27 people were killed and several others were injured, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on April 1 registered its first overseas case.

In a statement released in the matter, the probe agency stated that it registered its first case abroad in the light of the recent amendments made in the NIA Act which enabled the agency to investigate terror cases committed outside the country against Indian citizens or the interests of the nation. An Indian citizen, hailing from Delhi, was among the 27 people who were killed in the attack, which took place when as many as 150 people were inside the gurudwara.

An FIR has been registered by the probe agency under the provisions of theUnlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Indian Penal Code. Following the FIR, a probe will be launched by the NIA. On March 25, banned terror group and ISIS affiliate, Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), claimed responsibility for the attack. Reportedly, one of the attackers has been identifies as an Indian citizen, hailing from Kerala.

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As per reports, the probe agency will conduct the interim investigation in the case in India. Since international travel has been suspended across various parts of the world in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak, NIA will brief the authorities and police in Afghanistan in the matter as and when needed.

On March 25, India released a statement strongly condemning the heinous terror attack in Kabul and conveying condolences to the deceased and injured. In the statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that “such cowardly attacks on places of worship are reflective of the diabolical mindset of the perpetrators and their backers”. India also expressed solidarity with the Government of Afghanistan in their attempt in maintaining peace and security of the citizens of the country.