Pathankot attack: Punjab govt yet to decide on handing over probe to NIA

An attack helicopter is seen flying low over Akalgarh. Express Photo

As the operation to flush out terrorists from Indian Air Force Base in Pathankot continues, Punjab will take a decision to involve NIA in probing the attack later.

A senior police officer told the Indian Express that a team of NIA landed in Pathankot Saturday morning and is a part of the joint operation of Indian Army and the Punjab Police.

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“The NIA is helping out in reining in the terror attack. But it is too early to think about handing over the probe to them. This decision will be taken later. The priority now is to get over with the operation and flush out all terrorists,” said a senior police officer who did not want to be identified.

He added, such decisions are subject to government’s approval and are sent for approval only after thorough discussions. “It is not just that we wake up one morning to hand over the probe to this agency. It is too early to decide on this.”

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Punjab police had its share of brick bats during the Dina Nagar terror attack on July 27 last year when it had refused to hand over the probe to NIA stating the state police was capable of investigating such attacks.

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The police came under attack on Saturday when Pathankot was attacked by terrorists. Having made it a turf issue in Dina Nagar and then failing to make any headway, the police was caught napping once again.

However, NIA is empowered to deal with terror related crimes across states without permission from the states.