**Kulgam Terror Attack: Police Arrest Local Man Linked to Terrorists Using Mobile Chargers Purchased Online**
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have revealed new details in the investigation of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives in April this year. According to officials, the terrorists maintained communication with their handlers and overground workers (OGWs) using mobile phone chargers purchased through leading e-commerce platforms.
### Chargers Traced Through E-commerce Platforms
During Operation Mahadev in July, police recovered three mobile phone chargers from the Dachigam forests, where the attackers were killed. One of these chargers was found bundled with a Vivo T2X 5G (Aurora Gold) handset.
Police verification with Vivo and Flipkart traced the purchase of this device to Musaib Ahmad Chopan of Iqbal Computers. He confirmed selling the handset to Muhammad Yousuf Katari. Records show Katari made a payment of Rs 14,500 via mPay on May 24, corroborated by Jammu & Kashmir Bank transactions.
### Confession Links Katari to Terrorists
During questioning, Katari confessed to assisting the slain terrorists—identified as Afghan Bhai, Suleman Shah, and Jibran—while they were hiding in the Dachigam forests. These three had earlier been named by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection to the killings at Baisaran meadow.
### Arrest of Overground Worker in Srinagar
On Wednesday, September 24, police confirmed the arrest of Muhammad Yousuf Katari, a 26-year-old resident of Kulgam, in Srinagar. Officials stated that Katari acted as an OGW for the Pahalgam attackers, providing logistical support and possibly conducting reconnaissance prior to the attack.
The terrorists were later killed during Operation Mahadev on July 28 in the Lidwas area of Dachigam.
### Ongoing Investigation and Wider Network
Police have obtained a 15-day custody remand to further question Katari regarding possible links to other OGWs. Officials believe that his arrest could help uncover the escape routes used by the terrorists and expose a broader support network facilitating such attacks.
In a related development, the NIA had previously arrested two other locals—Bashir Ahmad Jothar from Hill Park and Parvaiz Ahmad from Batkote—both accused of providing assistance to the same terrorist group.
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The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle the terror network operating in the region. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/pahalgam-terrorists-bought-chargers-online-to-stay-connected-with-handlers-police-arrest-local-aide-from-kulgam
