What is it that troubles the National Investigation Agency (NIA) the most in case of Gurdaspur SP Salwinder Singh? Well, it’s the fact that Singh’s explanations regarding his abduction are still not convincing. As of now, the NIA has summoned Singh as a witness in the case. But investigators maintain that they will get clarity on Singh’s status only after questioning his cook Madan Gopal.
After he was released by the terrorists, Singh told the media that they took him to be a commoner as he was in civil dress.
But when the SP’s car was recovered by the police, the beacon was found attached to the vehicle. Did the terrorists miss the beacon? Is Singh concocting a story because he is unable to reveal the truth?
Senior Officer, NIAWe feel that Salwinder is not telling us the truth. Right now, he is neither a witness, nor an accused in the case.
The missing links in Singh’s testimony are giving rise to several questions. Investigators feel that Gopal’s testimony will verify Singh’s statement. Gopal has already been summoned by the NIA and is likely to be questioned after Singh.
Investigators further informed that it’s unlikely for an insider to be involved in the Pathankot terror strike, but they are not ruling out that possibility completely. According to the sources, security at the Air Force base has raised concerns and efforts are being made to strengthen it.
Bodies of the Terrorists Constitute Crucial Evidence
Efforts are being made by investigators to preserve the bodies of the four terrorists recovered from the Air Force Base. According to sources, the bodies are being treated chemically to prevent them before decomposing. The investigating agency had already conducted postmosterm of the bodies and their tissues were preserved for DNA sampling. Then why is it important for the agency to preserve the bodies?
Sources say that the bodies of the terrorists constitute crucial evidence in the case. The investigators plan to preserve the bodies till the investigation is over. They also added that they don’t want to take any chances before getting hold of forensic reports.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh has showered trust on Pakistan – “No reason to doubt Pakistan, Let’s wait.” So far, the Indian authority has shared the phone numbers and names of the handlers, including other crucial evidence with Pakistan. Sources say that Pakistan is making efforts and raiding several places. But till now, the neighbouring country has not shared any concrete information with the Indian Government.
(The Quint is available on Telegram. For handpicked stories every day, subscribe to us on Telegram)