JAMMU: A special NIA court on Thursday framed charges against two men accused of aiding the perpetrators of the Dhangri massacre, in which terrorists had gunned down five people in the Rajouri village on Jan 1, 2023.The court observed that the allegations against the accused — Nisar Ahmed (alias Haji Nisar) and Mushtaq Hussain (alias Chacha) — were grave. There was sufficient material on record to show that the duo not only harboured the terrorists by providing them with food and shelter, but also acted as guides to the killers, helping them reach the hideout that they had constructed on directions of their Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba handlers — Saifullah (alias Sajid Jutt), Abu Qatal (alias Qatal Sindhi) and Mohd Qasim.“They were in constant touch with terrorists for approximately three months and did not tell anybody about them despite getting many opportunities. They also utilized the services of a minor for their illegal activities,” special judge Sandeep Gandotra observed, noting that charges must be framed against the duo based on their prima facie involvement in the crime.The judge said the statements on record have been taken at their face value, the truth of which need not be judged at this stage. “Even a strong suspicion found on material before the court is sufficient to frame the charge,” he added. These special courts have the authority to frame charges against individuals based on the evidence presented by the NIA.Subsequently, charges were framed against both accused under relevant sections of the IPC, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and Juvenile Justice Act. In the presence of their counsels, they were asked via virtual mode whether they wanted to plead guilty. Both pleaded not guilty and sought trial.Around 7.15pm on Jan 1, 2023, armed terrorists barged into the houses of villagers in Dhangri and sprayed them with bullets. Four persons were killed on the spot and seven were seriously injured in the attack. One injured person later succumbed.Rajouri Police registered an FIR in this connection under relevant sections of the IPC, Arms Act and UAPA. Central govt later handed over the investigation to NIA, following which the agency re-registered the case. Nisar and Mushtaq were arrested on Aug 31, 2023, and lodged in Central Jail, Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, where they are still incarcerated.Exactly a year after the massacre, NIA on Jan 21, 2024, detained a juvenile for his involvement in the attack. The minor was taken into custody from an observation home in RS Pura, Jammu, where he had been sent in connection with another case registered at Gursai PS (Mendhar), Poonch.