Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 tourists last year.

The anti-terror agency said the charges include details of an alleged conspiracy behind the attack, Hafiz Saeed's alleged role in planning and directing terrorist activities, and evidence collected during the investigation. The NIA stated that the evidence was gathered through scientific examination, forensic analysis and on-ground investigation.

Attack Triggered Tensions Between India and Pakistan

The terror attack in Pahalgam, located in south Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 male tourists and led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

The Indian government had earlier stated that the attackers were Pakistani nationals allegedly backed by elements based in Pakistan. Pakistan rejected the allegations and called for an independent investigation into the incident.

Following the attack, security operations in Jammu and Kashmir were intensified as Indian security forces launched extensive searches to track those responsible.

Three Militants Killed During Security Operation

In July 2025, Indian security forces carried out an operation in which three suspected militants were killed. Authorities identified them as Pakistani nationals and stated that they were involved in the Pahalgam terror attack.

The operation was part of a broader counter-terrorism campaign aimed at dismantling militant networks operating in the region.

Earlier Charges Against LeT and TRF

The NIA had already filed a chargesheet in December 2025 against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), its alleged offshoot The Resistance Front (TRF) and six individuals in connection with the attack.

According to investigators, The Resistance Front initially claimed responsibility for the attack shortly after it occurred but later withdrew the claim.

In the latest development, the NIA has now named Hafiz Saeed individually, along with his alleged role as the chief of both organisations.

Hafiz Saeed's Background

Hafiz Saeed founded Lashkar-e-Taiba in the early 1990s and has long been accused by India of involvement in several terrorist attacks.

He is also accused of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which 166 people lost their lives during a three-day assault on multiple locations across Mumbai.

Saeed has been serving a prison sentence in Pakistan since 2020 after being convicted on terrorism financing charges by a Pakistani court.

Investigation Continues

The NIA said the investigation into the Pahalgam terror attack remains ongoing and that additional evidence will continue to be examined. The agency reiterated its commitment to bringing all those responsible for the attack to justice under Indian law.

The latest charges represent another significant step in India's investigation into one of the deadliest attacks on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years.