J-K LG orders magisterial probe into Ganderbal encounter

Srinagar, Apr 3: Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a time-bound magisterial inquiry into an encounter in Arhama area of Ganderbal that left a local youth dead.

In a post on X, LG Sinha said: “I have ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into Arhama, Ganderbal incident. The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served.”

According to an official communication issued by the Home Department on April 2, the District Magistrate, Ganderbal, has been directed to conduct a “thorough and impartial” probe into the circumstances leading to the death of Raashid Ahmad Mughal, a resident of Chuntwaliwar Lar. The incident occurred on April 1.

The order states that the inquiry must ascertain the facts and sequence of events surrounding the encounter and submit a report within seven days.

The Army on Wednesday said that a “local terrorist”, Rashid Ahmad Mughal from the Lar area of the district was killed in an overnight encounter in the Arahama area. However, his family said he was innocent and demanded an FIR as well as an inquiry.

On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister demanded a transparent and time-bound probe into the incident. He said the facts should be made public. “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,” CM Omar said in a post on X. “Any attempt to obfuscate or delay the announcement of a probe will only damage credibility and that is not in anyone’s interest.”