Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a magisterial probe into the encounter in Ganderbal district in which a youth, alleged to be a terrorist, was killed by security forces.
Several mainstream leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, had raised questions about the encounter that took place on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.
Sinha said, “I have ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into Arhama, Ganderbalincident. The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served.”
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. pic.twitter.com/Uu3Mf3yArd
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) April 3, 2026
The allegations
The family of the slain youth — Rashid Ahmad Mughal — had claimed that the deceased had no links to terrorism.
Abdullah had said on Thursday that, “I believe the claim of the family should not be dismissed out of hand. At the very least this encounter needs a transparent & time bound probe with the facts made public”.
“Any attempt to obfuscate or delay the announcement of a probe will only damage credibility & that is not in anyone’s interest,” he had said on X.
“The inquiry may be completed within a period of 7 days and the report be submitted to the Home department,” states the letter, a copy of which is with News18.
Action against Assam Rifles battalion
The Battalion of Assam Rifles responsible has been removed, said sources. After call from New Delhi Core Commander, the inquiry found local Assam Rifles battalion was also involved in it and action was initiated.
“A new battalion is coming. The encounter was staged to show results ahead of high-level security review in the Valley,” alleged sources.
Top officials in Delhi are said to be furious, calling it a major embarrassment for security forces. Government sources indicate that strict action will be taken against all those found involved in orchestrating the killing.
Other inputs suggest the operation was planned without proper verification of intelligence.
“Fake and staged encounter caused loss of innocent lives and damage credibility of counter-terror operations in Jammu & Kashmir,” said sources.
This development comes at a time when the Centre was pushing for improved security narrative in the region ahead of key political and developmental initiatives.
With PTI Inputs
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