In the Jammu drone strike case, a FIR has been registered under UAPA; the NIA is likely to take over the investigation.
Officials said a FIR was filed Sunday under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act after two explosives-laden drones crashed into the IAF station at Jammu airport, with the case possibly being taken over by the terror investigation agency NIA.
According to officials, the drones crashed into the IAF station at Jammu airport in the early hours of Sunday, possibly marking the first time that suspected Pakistan-based terrorists have used unmanned aerial vehicles in an attack.
On the application of an IAF junior warrant officer, a FIR was registered at Satwari police station under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
“The case is likely to be taken over by the NIA. After joining the investigation, they are already supervising the investigation at the blast site “According to one of the officials.
He stated that a FIR was filed under UAPA sections 13/16/18/23 (unlawful activities/terrorist act/conspiracy/enhanced penalties) and IPC section 120-B. (criminal conspiracy).
Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act have also been included (causing an explosion likely to endanger life or property/attempt to cause an explosion, or making or keeping explosive with intent to endanger life or property).
The explosions happened around 1.40 a.m., six minutes apart. The first blast ripped off the roof of a single-story building at the airport’s high-security technical area, which is manned by the IAF in the Satwari neighbourhood of the city. According to officials, the second one was on the ground.
Two IAF personnel were hurt in the incident, which Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh described as a “terrorist attack.”
The IAF and Special Forces have also sent teams to the scene, along with forensic experts, to investigate the nature of the explosion and collect evidence, they said.
Meanwhile, a swarm of journalists gathered outside the main gate of the IAF station, which had been hit by the twin blasts. However, no unusual activity was observed at the gate, with the exception of visits by senior officers from the Army, police, CRPF, and other agencies.
Laborers assigned to routine work inside the station arrived on time and were allowed in after the usual checks of their identification cards and frisking.
According to the officials quoted above, army quick reaction teams (QRTs) were seen making rounds to maintain watch outside the IAF station, while security forces also carried out area dominance in the surrounding residential areas.
Security has been beefed up throughout the Jammu region, including on highways where special checkpoints have been set up to conduct vehicle inspections, particularly at the city’s entry and exit points.
DGP Dilbag Singh also stated that while officials were investigating the drone attack, another major strike was averted when a person, most likely affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, was apprehended along with an improvised explosive device weighing around six kilogrammes.
According to Singh, the individual was tasked with detonating the IED in a crowded area. “The suspect has been apprehended and is being questioned.” More suspects are likely to be apprehended as a result of this foiled IED blast attempt.
