Pahalgam Attack: 'Allahu Akbar' chant by zip line operator natural reaction, say NIA sources
Srinagar, Apr 29: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has said that the zip line operator who was heard chanting 'Allahu Akbar' during the recent terror attack in Pahalgam was reacting naturally to the sudden violence and had no known links to the attackers.
The zip line operator, identified as Muzammil, was seen in a viral video recorded on April 22—the day of the attack that claimed 26 lives—chanting 'Allahu Akbar' three times while a tourist used the adventure ride. The video, captured by tourist Rishi Bhatt, showed both the zip line activity and the sound of gunfire during the attack.
After the video gained widespread attention online, the NIA questioned Muzammil about his actions and the timing of his chants. However, NIA sources told India Today TV that chanting 'Allahu Akbar' was likely a spontaneous reaction, similar to how people from other faiths might invoke God during moments of panic or shock. “It is similar to someone saying ‘Hey Ram’ in a moment of fear,” said an NIA source.
While Muzammil reportedly gave different answers when asked why he released the tourist on the zip line after gunfire began, the investigators have not found any evidence so far to directly connect him to the attack.
Rishi Bhatt, who was the last tourist to take the zip line ride before the attack, had claimed that Muzammil chanted 'Allahu Akbar' thrice just before the shooting started. The video was recorded on Bhatt’s camera.
Meanwhile, Muzammil's brother Mukhtar spoke to India Today/Aaj Tak, strongly defending his sibling. He said Muzammil had no prior knowledge of the attack and ran for his life as soon as the firing began.
Reacting to the incident, People's Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo told ANI that such chants are common in Kashmir during any tragic or shocking incident. “Kashmiris naturally remember Allah during disasters. People outside do not understand our culture. This has nothing to do with militancy,” he said.
Trumboo also criticised the authorities, saying the focus should be on reviewing lapses in the security system rather than targeting innocent individuals.
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FIR registered after IPS officer's wife alleges harassment of children at IPL match in Bengaluru
Bengaluru (PTI): A case of sexual harassment and criminal intimidation was registered against two unknown persons after the wife of an IPS officer lodged a complaint alleging that her children were harassed during a recent IPL match at the M Chinnaswamy stadium here, police said.
The incident occurred in the Diamond Box, a premium seating enclosure, at around 9.40 pm on May 3, they said.
According to the complainant, two people abused her son (22) and inappropriately touched her daughter (26).
She further alleged that the couple shouted at, threatened and disturbed her children. They also abused her daughter and behaved "indecently" with her.
The complainant claimed that the entire incident was recorded by her son on his mobile phone.
Police said that one of the suspects involved in the incident was a senior Income Tax official.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered under BNS sections 351(1) ( criminal intimidation), 352 ( intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace) 75(1) (sexual harassment), 79 (criminalizes acts intended to insult a woman’s modesty), police said, adding further investigation.
The incident took place during a match between RCB and CSK.
