Amid growing controversy and demands for transparency, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a time-bound magisterial inquiry into the death of Raashid Ahmad Mughal, who was killed during an encounter in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district earlier this week.
LG Sinha wrote on X: “I have ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into the Arhama, Ganderbal incident. The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served”.
The Home Department of the J&K government in an order to the District Magistrate, Ganderbal said, “The issue has been examined and accordingly, 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 Raashid Ahmad Mughal s/o Late Gull Zaman Mughal. The inquiry may be completed within a period of seven (07) days and the report be submitted to the Home Department”.
The family of the deceased has strongly contested the official version, maintaining that Raashid Ahmad Mughal, a resident of Chuntwaliwar village in the Lar area of Ganderbal, was a civilian with no links to militancy. Their claim has intensified calls for accountability and an independent probe into the incident.
The incident took place during a cordon-and-search operation launched in the forest area of Arhama. The operation was carried out jointly by Army units including Assam Rifles and Rashtriya Rifles (RR), along with the CRPF and Jammu & Kashmir Police.
It was stated that one “terrorist” was killed in the encounter. According to official claims, security forces recovered one AK-56 rifle, three magazines, live rounds, and empty cartridges from the site of the encounter.
However, the killing has triggered a political response, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calling for a transparent and time-bound investigation. Abdullah, who represents the Ganderbal constituency, stressed that the findings of the probe must be made public to ensure accountability.
Opposition leaders have also raised concerns. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti demanded an independent inquiry into the incident, echoing the family’s call for justice.