J&K L-G orders magisterial probe into Ganderbal encounter

Srinagar: Amid allegations by the family that the person killed in an encounter in J&K’s Ganderbal district on March 31 was an innocent civilian, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a magisterial probe into the incident.

An order issued by the J&K Home Department said that the Ganderbal District Magistrate has been asked to complete the probe into the encounter in Arhama village of the district in seven days and submit the report. After a search and cordon operation in the village of the district by the army, J&K Police, and other security forces on March 31, it was claimed that a terrorist had been killed in the encounter.

In a post on X, the office of the L-G said: “The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served.”

A communication by the Under Secretary, Home Department, to the District Magistrate Ganderbal has said that the matter has been examined and the district magistrate is requested to get a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry carried out into the incident to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of Raashid Ahmad Mughal, son of Gull Zaman Mughal.

The District Magistrate has been directed to complete the inquiry within 7 days and submit the report to the Home Department.

Mughal’s family has claimed that he was an innocent civilian and had no connection with terrorism.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a statement on Thursday, said: “I believe the claim of the family should not be dismissed out of hand. At the very least, this encounter needs a transparent and time-bound probe with the facts made public.”

“Any attempt to obfuscate or delay the announcement of a probe will only damage credibility, and that is not in anyone’s interest.”

PDP President and former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, has also expressed grave concern at the allegations of the slain person’s family. She has demanded an independent probe into the entire circumstances that led to the killing of the person.

IANS