Jammu: The family of Arif Hussain, who died in a police firing last month, staged a protest outside the office of a senior police officer in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Wednesday, seeking justice for him and demanding an impartial probe into the incident.
Hussain, a resident of Cheeka village, was killed when he allegedly tried to snatch the service rifle of a Special Operations Group (SOG) jawan during a scuffle in the Jaie area of Bhaderwah on July 16. Three SOG personnel also reportedly sustained injuries in the incident.
Doda district administration has ordered a magisterial probe into his killing while the police have also constituted an SIT to investigate the incident.
Accompanied by social activist Owais Choudhary, the pregnant wife of Hussain along with her minor son and sister-in-law and some relatives assembled outside the office of senior superintendent of police, Doda and started shouting slogans in support of their demand for justice.
A police team rushed to the scene and detained Choudhary before persuading the protesting family members to disperse assuring action after completion of ongoing inquiry.
Prior to his detention, Choudhary claimed that Hussain was killed in cold-blood by the policemen as his body bore stab marks besides the bullet injuries.
He alleged that the family is being intimidated to protect those responsible for Hussain’s death.
“Hussain’s father, a special police officer, was brutally killed by terrorists in March 1999. Hussain was the sole breadwinner of the family, which is now desperately seeking justice,” he said, seeking personal intervention of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.
He alleged that the FIR registered in the case names the deceased and charges him with attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt to deter a public servant from discharging official duties, and assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from performing official duty.
Demanding a fair and impartial investigation, Choudhary said those responsible for Hussain’s death should be identified and brought to justice.
Hussain’s wife, who was holding a placard with the picture of her slain husband and reading “Justice for Arif”, appealed for a fair investigation.
“We want an impartial probe and action against the cops involved,” she said.
