Operation Mahadev: Midnight Flight to Forensic Breakthrough

In the final moves to resolve the Pahalgam terror attack case,  the  Indian security establishment pulled out all the stops ―Really. In the late night, a specially requisitioned aircraft carried three recovered firearms from Srinagar to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) in Chandigarh for urgent ballistic analysis.

The weapons – an M-4 carbine and two AK-47 rifles – were rapidly tested by the forensic experts, who worked tirelessly throughout the midnight hours. By 0446 hours, six ballistics specialists had confirmed via video call that the recovered shell casing perfectly matched those retrieved from the Pahalgam attack site. 

The critical operation was overseen directly by Union Home Minister Mr Amit Shah, who emphasised the need for a scientific, evidence-based approach to the investigation. His direction to promptly transport and test a weapon proved instrumental in trying the suspect for the crime.

The outcome of these forensic analyses represents a significant leap in the probe, shifting it from circumstantial leads to Concrete proof. With ballistic confirmations in hand, investigators now hold a pivotal piece of evidence linking terrorists who attacked directly to the Pahalgam assault. The findings will likely play a key role in closing the gaps in legal proceedings, delivering both accountability and closure.

This extraordinary step, not often seen in counter-terrorism investigations, demonstrates the Indian government’s commitment to combining logistics, forensics, and swift decision-making to bring justice to victims. As the investigation progresses, this milestone sets a robust foundation for forensic-led operations.