The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is preparing to send court summons to Hafiz Saeed, founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), in connection with the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack case.
Since Saeed is currently in Pakistan, the summons are expected to be served through diplomatic channels via the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The move is part of the ongoing legal proceedings in the case.
The NIA has named Hafiz Saeed as an accused in its supplementary chargesheet related to the alleged conspiracy behind the Pahalgam attack. A special NIA court in Jammu has also initiated legal proceedings against him, including the issuance of a non-bailable warrant.
The court summons will formally direct Saeed to appear before the court in connection with the case. However, as he remains in Pakistan, Indian authorities are expected to rely on diplomatic channels to communicate the court's directions.
The April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir claimed the lives of 26 people. The case was initially registered by local authorities before the investigation was handed over to the NIA by the Union Home Ministry.
In its supplementary chargesheet, the NIA has alleged Saeed's involvement in the wider conspiracy and identified him in connection with Lashkar-e-Taiba and its alleged proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF).
If Saeed fails to appear before the court, further legal steps could be taken under the applicable law. After completing the required legal procedures, the court could potentially consider proceedings in his absence.
