Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a 26-year-old man accused of providing logistical support to the terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which left 26 people dead, mostly tourists.
The arrest of Mohammad Yousuf Katari, a resident of the outskirts of Srinagar, followed a detailed investigation under Operation Mahadev, a counter-terror operation launched in the Zabarwan foothills. According to officials, Katari’s arrest came after forensic experts traced a damaged Android phone charger recovered from a July encounter site to him.
During the Zabarwan operation, security forces had killed three terrorists - Sulieman alias Asif, Jibran, and Hamza Afghani - all directly linked to the Pahalgam massacre. “Among the materials seized was a partially destroyed mobile charger. Through forensic and technical analysis, investigators tracked the serial number to a local mobile dealer, who identified Katari as the buyer,” said a senior police official.
Investigations revealed that Katari had allegedly met the slain terrorists on at least four occasions in the Zabarwan hills and helped them navigate difficult terrain. Police sources said he may have provided supplies and guidance, taking advantage of his familiarity with the region through his work as an informal teacher among nomadic communities.
“Katari had been under watch for some time, but his role became clear only after forensic teams matched evidence from the encounter site,” an officer said, adding that his digital devices are now being examined.
Authorities are probing whether Katari knowingly aided the terrorists or was misled, though his repeated contact with the group raises suspicion. The arrest marks a major step in dismantling the local support network behind the Pahalgam attack- one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir this year.
Officials confirmed that the case is likely to be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is already probing the broader conspiracy. The NIA has so far arrested two others accused of providing shelter and assistance to the attackers.
Investigators said the breakthrough highlights the increasing role of forensic and digital technology in tracking terror networks across Jammu and Kashmir.
