Magisterial probe ordered into Ganderbal's encounter killing

Srinagar: J&K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a magisterial probe into the Ganderbal encounter in which a commerce graduate was killed. The probe has to be completed within seven days.

The family of 29-year-old Rashid Ahmad Mughal, who was killed in the encounter by the Army between March 31 and April 1, claimed that he was innocent and had "no militant links". The Army maintained this was "a genuine operation" but, in official statement, did not mention the identity of the person killed.

Chief minister Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti had raised questions and demanded a time-bound probe.


On Friday morning, Sinha took to X to inform that he has ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into the incident. "The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served."

J&K home department has asked the Ganderbal district magistrate to get the inquiry conducted within seven days. "You are requested to get a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry conducted into the matter to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death of Rashid Ahmad Mughal. The inquiry may be completed within a period of seven days and the report be submitted to the home department," read the official order issued here.

The family of Mughal has filed a formal complaint with the police in Ganderbal, demanding immediate action and justice. "This is a cold-blooded murder and whosoever is involved should be brought to justice. Today it was my brother and tomorrow it could be anyone else," Ajaz Ahmad Mughal, brother of the victim, told ET. He said their elder brother Ishfaq Ahmad Mughal was killed by militants in 2000 as he was working with the Army.

J&K Police has taken cognizance of the complaint after formal order from the home department. "A case has been registered regarding the encounter and now the complaint of the family will be investigated in the same FIR," said a senior police officer.

Political parties in Kashmir welcomed the magisterial probe and hoped that justice will prevail.