The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a second chargesheet naming Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Mohammad Saeed as the alleged mastermind behind the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 25 tourists and one local resident were killed.

According to the agency, the chargesheet is supported by evidence gathered through an extensive investigation, including digital communications, mobile phone analysis, GPS data and on-ground examination.

The NIA alleges that Saeed directed the planning of the attack and coordinated with Pakistani terror handler Sajid Jatt, who had already been named in an earlier chargesheet filed in December 2025.

Investigators claim that instructions were issued to use only Pakistani terrorists for the operation while limiting the involvement of local Kashmiris to maintain secrecy and maximise the impact of the attack.

The agency has charged Saeed both in his personal capacity and as the head of LeT and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF), both of which are banned under Indian law.

The charges include offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including allegations of waging war against India and criminal conspiracy from across the border.Since Saeed remains outside India, the NIA stated that provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita allow for trial in absentia.

The earlier chargesheet had also named three Pakistani terrorists who were later killed during Operation Mahadev, along with two arrested accused, and held LeT and TRF responsible for planning and facilitating the attack after identifying victims based on their religious identity.