CCTV Captures Bus In J&K's Reasi Moments Before Attack, Disturbing Terror Pattern Emerges Amid Massive Manhunt

A CCTV footage showing the moments leading up to the Reasi terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir has emerged, providing insights into the sequence of events before the deadly attack that claimed 10 lives and injured many more.

The bus carrying pilgrims plunged into a deep gorge after an ambush by terrorists on Sunday. The terrorists opened fire at the bus when it was en route from Shiv Khori temple to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra near Teryath village in Poni area and it plunged into the deep gorge following the gunfire. Terrorists targeted the bus as it approached a bend, a pattern observed in previous attacks in Rajouri and Poonch.

Exploiting the slow speed of vehicles, they unleashed indiscriminate fire to inflict maximum harm before retreating into dense foliage, a challenge increasingly prevalent in the Jammu region. The dense mountainous foliage provides cover for the enemy, granting them an advantage in evading detection.

According to sources, the bus was targeted by the terrorists when it came near a bend — a pattern witnessed in Rajouri and Poonch attacks. In this modus operandi,  terrorists take advantage of a vehicle coming at a slow speed and then start firing indiscriminately to cause maximum damage. They follow this attack pattern because it helps them to disappear in the thick foliage, a challenge now evident in the Jammu region.

CCTV Footage

NIA Team, Additional Security and Drones

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team has been dispatched to help local authorities investigate Sunday’s terror attack. Additional security has been heightened in the area, and security forces are now using drones to search for terrorists. Security forces were deployed at nearby combat outposts of the Indian Army.

Forces were dispatched from various locations to reinforce security measures. Currently, a search operation is underway for terrorists. Earlier Sunday, the injured were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Local authorities, including senior police officials and security forces, promptly responded to the scene, cordoning off the area and initiating investigations.

On Sunday, Mohammad Bhat, DIG Reasi Udhampur range, Rayees, also reached the spot. Earlier, SSP Reasi Mohita Sharma said initial reports suggested that terrorists fired upon the passenger bus going from Shiv Khori to Katra.

“Due to the firing, the bus driver lost balance of the bus and it fell into gorge. 33 people were injured in the incident. Rescue operation has been completed. The identities of the passengers have not been confirmed yet, they are not locals. Shiv Khori shrine was secured and area domination was done,” he said.

Rs. 10 lakh ex-gratia

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation and has asked the Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to constantly monitor it. Taking to X, the J&K LG said that those behind this heinous act will be punished soon. He added, “Hon’ble PM has also directed that all the injured are provided the best possible medical care & assistance,” he added.

The Office of the Lt. Governor of J&K announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh to be given to the next of kin of pilgrims killed in the Reasi terror attack. “The injured will receive Rs. 50,000. The injured pilgrims are being treated at various hospitals in Jammu & Reasi,” stated the Office of the Lt. Governor.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the culprits of this dastardly attack will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law. Taking to X, Shah said, “Deeply pained by the incident of the attack on pilgrims in Reasi, J&K. Spoke to the Lieutenant Governor and the DGP, J&K, and inquired about the incident.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the attack on the bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir is extremely reprehensible. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad also condemned the militant attack on the pilgrim bus in Ransoo, Reasi.