NIA says GoPro tied to Pahalgam attack activated in China; court moves for cooperation

Jammu: An NIA court in Jammu has issued a Letter Rogatory to Chinese authorities for details on a GoPro camera's supply chain and users, tied to last year's Pahalgam terror attack.

The April 22 assault killed 25 tourists and a local guide in South Kashmir. In a BNSS Section 112 application, NIA DIG Sandeep Choudhary highlighted the camera's role in proving the attackers' reconnaissance, movement, and preparations.

NIA seized various devices post-attack. GoPro BV confirmed the camera went to China's AE Group International Limited and was activated January 30, 2024, in Dongguan.

"Information necessary to trace the purchaser, end-user, and associated technical records can only be obtained through judicial assistance of the Chinese authorities," the application noted. Details on purchaser, end-user, and records require Chinese judicial aid.

India-China lack a mutual treaty, so NIA invoked the UNTOC—ratified by both. Judge Prem Sagar approved, with Home Ministry nod, calling the info "crucial for chain of custody, attribution, and evidentiary links."

A draft Mutual Legal Assistance request was attached.