Srinagar, February 25: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the cross-border terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir's Pulwama, has found that the vehicle used in the fidayeen strike was a minivan 'Maruti Eeco'. The car owner has been identified as one Sajjad Bhat, a resident of Brisbehara in Anantnag district.

NIA investigators said they have gathered incrementing evidence which suggest that Bhat has joined Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the extremist group which has claimed responsibility of the February 14 attack which claimed 40 CRPF personnel lives. Post Pulwama: China Signals Caution as Chorus For India-Pakistan War Grows Stronger.

A search operation has been launched for Bhat, who is reportedly on the run since the day of attack.

The NIA has also released an image of Bhat. Check here:

"Sajjad Bhat has reportedly joined Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). A photograph to this effect has also appeared in social media where Sajjad is seen holding weapons," the NIA said in a statement.

"NIA investigators, with support of forensic and automobile experts have been able to identify the vehicle used in Pulwama attack," it was further reported as saying by news agency ANI. The Maruti Eeco was used by militant Aadil Ahmed Dar to ram into a CRPF convoy.

The identification of the vehicle used in the terror strike comes as a major success for the NIA -- which has been tasked to probe the heinous attack on the Indian forces. The probe report will aid the Narendra Modi government to further isolate Pakistan, which has so far denied the role of cross-border elements in the Pulwama attack.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 25, 2019 07:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).