Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who on Sunday visited the house of a youth killed in police firing recently, called for an impartial inquiry into the incident.
He asked the senior police officers to fulfill promises made to the bereaved family, including Rs 35 lakh compensation and a job, and sought registration of a murder case against the erring personnel.
Parvez Ahmad (21), a Gujjar hailing from Nikki Tawi area of Jammu, was killed in a crossfire when police were allegedly chasing drug-peddlers in Satwari area on Thursday. Ahmad’s killing has sparked protests by the community, with his family accusing the police of murdering an “innocent” man in a “staged” encounter.
A magisterial probe has already been ordered, while two policemen involved in the incident were suspended. An inquiry, headed by sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Jammu South, is also pending.
“This is a day-light murder committed by the special branch of police in civilian clothes. Since police is under the administrative control of Lieutenant Governor, we request an impartial probe and stern action against the erring personnel,” Choudhary told reporters after expressing his condolences to Parvez’s family.
“Where is the Rs 35 lakh compensation and job letter promised to the family? Our police force is highly respected for its contribution in fighting terrorism. It has never harmed innocent people before. The Omar Abdullah government will not tolerate such incidents now,” Choudhary said, adding that the matter was not over with the youth’s funeral.
He asked who has given permission to armed policemen to roam in civilian clothes “like gangsters” and kill an “innocent” person, who was married only one-and-a-half months ago.
The deputy chief minister said he had heard that the family was involved in wrestling in an effort to keep local youths away from drugs.
Delegation of 3 MLAs calls on LG to demand fair probe into killing of youth in Jammu
A delegation of three MLAs today called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to demand a fair probe into the killing of Parvaiz Ahmed in police firing at Nikki Tawi, Jammu.
The delegation comprised MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, MLA Budhal Javed Iqbal Choudhary, and MLA Mahore Er. Khursheed Ahmed.
The LG assured the delegation that a fair and transparent investigation will be conducted and whosoever is found involved will not be spared. He informed that the Deputy Commissioner Jammu has been tasked to ensure early completion of the enquiry.
The LG also advised the MLAs to gather facts independently and share them with the administration. He further added that if the family is not satisfied with the ongoing magisterial probe, a judicial probe may also be considered.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to justice, the LG affirmed that no community or section of society is being targeted and assured that justice will be delivered through a free, fair, and impartial process.
