LG orders magisterial inquiry into Ganderbal encounter
Family seeks justice, says ‘full faith in probe’
Srinagar/Ganderbal, Apr 03: The family of Rashid Ahmad Mughal, a local youth from central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, killed in an encounter on March 31, has welcomed the magisterial inquiry ordered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, expressing hope that the investigation will bring the "truth to the fore".
Rashid, 28, son of Gull Zaman Mughal and a resident of Chuntwaliwar village, was killed during a cordon-and-search operation conducted on March 31 in the forest area of Arhama. Security forces, including the Army's 02 Assam Rifles, 24 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF's 49 Battalion, and J&K Police Ganderbal, said one terrorist was killed in the encounter and that arms and ammunition were recovered from the site.
However, the family has contested the claim, maintaining that Rashid was a civilian with no links to terrorism. Rashid's cousin brother, Ashiq Ahmad Mughal, said the slain youth had left home on March 31 carrying documents of local residents whom he assisted with official work.
"I was told that my cousin brother had met with an accident. I was taken to Srinagar to identify the body. I recognised him, and later his body was taken to Handwara, where he was buried," Ashiq said, adding that the family is now seeking the return of the body to perform final rites. "Our only request is that the body be handed over so that we can give him a proper burial. My brother was innocent."
According to Ashiq, the slain youth was an orphan who had completed his Bachelor's degree in Commerce and was known in the area for helping people obtain domicile certificates and access government schemes and loans.
"We welcome the probe ordered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and hope the truth comes to the fore. We have full faith in the administration and the probe ordered. Let truth prevail," Ashiq said.
Local resident Nazir Ahmad Mughal described Rashid as a "gentle soul" and a social activist who frequently assisted people in resolving their issues.
Following the incident, LG Manoj Sinha ordered a magisterial inquiry. "I have ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into the Arhama, Ganderbal, incident. The inquiry will examine all the aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served," the LG said in a post on X. The Home Department also directed the District Magistrate, Ganderbal, to conduct a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry and submit a report within seven days.
"The issue has been examined and a detailed inquiry is required to ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death," the official order read.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also called for a transparent and time-bound probe with findings made public. Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and J&K Peoples Conference (PC) chief Sajad Lone have also demanded a transparent inquiry into the incident. MLA Kangan, in a social media post, said the concerns raised by the family and locals warrant a thorough probe and called for a time-bound judicial inquiry.
Meanwhile, BJP's Kashmir media in-charge, Advocate Sajid Yousuf Shah, termed the decision to initiate a magisterial inquiry a necessary step, saying the process must be fair, transparent, and aimed at ensuring accountability.
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