Online purchases reveal how Pahalgam attackers maintained contact with networks

Authorities sought details from Vivo and Flipkart to trace the purchase trail of the mobile chargers found in the Mulanar–Mahadev Dachigam forests

An investigation by the Jammu and Kashmir police has revealed that Pahalgam terrorists brought mobile phone chargers from leading e-commerce platforms in order to remain in touch with their handlers and overground workers (OGWs).

“During Operation Mahadev, three mobile chargers were recovered from the encounter site. Subsequent investigation and technical verification revealed that one of these chargers was bundled with a Vivo T2X 5G (Aurora Gold) mobile phone,” a source in the Jammu and Kashmir Police was quoted by CNN-News18.

He noted that as part of the investigation, authorities sought details from Vivo and Flipkart to trace the purchase trail of the mobile chargers found in the Mulanar–Mahadev Dachigam forests.

How Pahalgam attackers remained in touch with networks?

“Vivo, in its reply dated 13/08/2025, confirmed the charger make, and further information from Flipkart indicated that the devices were purchased by Musaib Ahmad Chopan of Iqbal Computers. In his statement, Musaib admitted selling the device to Md Yousuf Katari," officials told CNN-News18.

As part of its detailed probe, the police received a confirmation that on May 24, 2025, Yousuf Katari paid Rs 14,500 via mPay. The transaction was was corroborated by J&K Bank records, according to the police.

During questioning, Md Yousuf Katari accepted that he had a role in providing logistical support to the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack who were later killed during Operation Mahadev.

The slain terrorists -- Afghan Bhai, Suleman Shah and Jibran – were named by the National Investigation (NIA) for killing 26 civilians in Pahalgam on April 22 this year.

Katari was arrested from South Kashmir on Wednesday, with the police obtaining a 15-day remand to question him in custody.

"Based on an intelligence lead, Srinagar police arrested an over ground worker from South Kashmir's Kulgam district. He was identified as Mohd Yousuf Katari (26)," an official said.