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Pulwama Terror Attack Accused Dies in Custody
Pulwama Terror Attack Accused Dies in Jammu Hospital
In a recent development, Bilal Ahmad Kuchey, one of the accused in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, passed away following a heart attack. The 32-year-old, who had been chargesheeted for his involvement in the deadly attack on a CRPF convoy, died in the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu, where he was being treated after falling ill.
Who Was Bilal Ahmad Kuchey?
Bilal Ahmad Kuchey was a resident of Hajibal village in Kakapora, Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir. He was among 19 individuals chargesheeted in connection with the Pulwama terror attack, a horrific incident that took place on February 14, 2019. On that day, 40 CRPF personnel were killed and several others injured when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy in Lethpora, Pulwama. The Pulwama terror attack accused were believed to have played key roles in assisting the Jaish terrorists.
Kuchey, who was one of seven individuals arrested in relation to the attack, was accused of providing logistical support to the terrorists involved in the deadly operation. Along with his co-accused, Kuchey allegedly harbored terrorists in their homes, ensuring they had the resources and support needed to carry out the attack. His death, which occurred on Monday night, was the result of a heart attack. He had been hospitalized after falling ill at Kishtwar district jail on September 17.
NIA’s Chargesheet on the Pulwama Attack
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet on August 25, 2020, implicating Kuchey and 18 others in the Pulwama terror attack case. According to the NIA, Kuchey and several other local individuals, including Shakir Bashir, Insha Jan, and Peer Tariq Ahmad Shah, played crucial roles in supporting the JeM operatives who carried out the attack. These individuals are charged with providing shelter, food, and transportation to the terrorists during the planning and execution phases.
The charges against Kuchey and his co-accused were filed under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code, Arms Act, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Foreigners Act, and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Property (Prevention of Damages) Act. The NIA’s investigation also revealed that several of the terrorists involved in the attack had close connections to JeM leadership based in Pakistan.
Key Accused Still at Large
While Kuchey and six other accused were arrested, not all individuals involved in the conspiracy have been brought to justice. Six terrorists involved in the Pulwama attack, including three Pakistani nationals, were killed in separate encounters by Indian security forces. However, six more, including JeM founder Masood Azhar, remain at large. Azhar, who is believed to be hiding in Pakistan, continues to evade arrest despite being one of India’s most wanted terrorists.
The NIA’s chargesheet emphasizes that the Pulwama terror attack was the result of a well-planned criminal conspiracy, orchestrated by JeM’s Pakistan-based leadership. The NIA uncovered evidence suggesting that the Jaish operatives involved had undergone specialized training in explosives and terrorist tactics at camps run by Al-Qaeda, Taliban, and Haqqani Network in Afghanistan. These trained operatives were then sent to Jammu and Kashmir with the intent to carry out large-scale attacks against Indian security forces.
Bilal Ahmad Kuchey’s Role in the Attack
Kuchey’s involvement in the Pulwama terror attack is a testament to the local support network that allowed JeM operatives to successfully execute their plan. According to the NIA, Kuchey, along with Shakir Bashir, Insha Jan, and Peer Tariq Ahmad Shah, provided logistical support to the Jaish terrorists, including arranging accommodations and transportation for the attackers. Their actions were integral to the planning and coordination of the attack, making them key figures in the investigation.
Kuchey’s death in custody brings an end to his involvement in the legal proceedings surrounding the Pulwama attack. However, the NIA’s investigation continues as the agency works to apprehend the remaining conspirators.
The Ongoing Fight Against Terrorism
The Pulwama terror attack was one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces in recent history, and its impact continues to resonate across the nation. The tragic loss of 40 CRPF personnel in the attack galvanized India’s efforts to combat terrorism, leading to increased scrutiny of local support networks for terrorist organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammad.
Kuchey’s death highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Indian authorities in holding those responsible for the attack accountable. As India continues its fight against terrorism, the focus remains on ensuring that those who played any role in such heinous acts are brought to justice.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available regarding the Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent legal actions. The content is intended to provide factual information about the case and the individuals involved, without prejudice or bias. Legal proceedings related to the Pulwama attack are ongoing, and this article does not aim to imply guilt or innocence beyond what has been officially stated by law enforcement agencies.
