Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: J&K Police Arrest Pony Ride Operator After Tourist Complains About Him Asking About Religion

The Ganderbal Police arrested a local horse handler, Ayaz Ahmad, following allegations by a tourist group from Uttar Pradesh. The complaint was filed by Ekta Tiwari of Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur, who accused Ahmad and others of questioning their religion and discussing weapons over phone calls.

Ekta Tiwari, part of a 20-member tourist group visiting Jammu & Kashmir, claimed that on April 20, while heading to Pahalgam, they encountered suspicious individuals near Baisaran. According to her, two men approached them during a horse ride, inquiring about their religion and the size of their group.

"They asked if we were Hindu or Muslim, told us to read the Quran, and questioned why my brother was wearing a rudraksh (Hindu prayer beads)," Tiwari said. A verbal altercation ensued, prompting the group to retreat and seek help from other handlers.

Tiwari further alleged that shortly after the confrontation, one of the men received a phone call and spoke in coded language, mentioning, "Plan-A has failed." She claimed they also discussed sending "35 guns into the valley."

"One of them matches the sketch of a wanted terrorist," Tiwari stated, adding that she had photographic evidence.

Based on her complaint, Ganderbal Police detained Ahmad for questioning. Authorities are verifying the claims, including possible terror links. No official statement has been released regarding the weapons allegation.

Published on: Friday, April 25, 2025, 09:47 PM IST