NIA picks up ziplinewallah who chanted 'Allahu Akbar' in Pahalgam attack probe

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency picked up zipline operator Muzamil - heard chanting 'Allahu Akbar' thrice before sending off tourist Rishi Bhatt on the zipline amid audible firing by Pahalgam attackers - for interrogation, essentially to find out if he had prior knowledge of the impending carnage. Sources said foodstall operators and pony-wallahs who witnessed the April 22 attack at Baisaran have also been subjected to questioning, not only to retrace the chronology of events but also to find out if they had any inkling of the terror conspiracy.

NIA sources said the purpose behind questioning Muzamil was to confirm the motive or thought process that led him to raise the 'Allahu Akbar' cry. Muzamil's father, however, defended him, telling reporters Tuesday that his son was just terrified and had no ill intentions. "Even if a storm comes, we say Allahu Akbar. What is our fault here? Muzamil used to only work the zipline, he didn't do any other work," he was quoted as saying.

In Rishi's viral video, shot while he took the zipline, a poker-faced Muzamil can be heard saying 'Allahu Akbar' just before the first shot is heard. He calmly retreats as Rishi starts ziplining; his face and demeanour looking calm amid the audible gunshots.