On 3 April 2026, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered a magisterial inquiry into the killing of a local man during a security operation in Ganderbal district. The deceased, identified by his family as Rashid Ahmad Mughal, was killed during an Army-led operation in Arhama. The Army initially reported the neutralisation of a terrorist, but the family contested this, asserting that Rashid was a civilian with no links to militancy. The inquiry is to be completed within seven days.
According to Hindustan Times, the Lieutenant Governor’s office announced the magisterial probe following widespread concerns and demands for transparency from political leaders and the public. The official communication from the Home Department directed the District Magistrate of Ganderbal to investigate all aspects of the incident and submit a report within a week.
As highlighted by Scroll, the inquiry order followed statements from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, both of whom called for a transparent and time-bound investigation. The family of Rashid Ahmad Mughal maintained that he had no links to terrorism and demanded an impartial probe into the circumstances of his death.
As noted in an article by The Indian Express, Rashid’s brother, Ajaz Ahmad Mughal, stated that Rashid was an M.Com graduate who assisted villagers with documentation work. Ajaz recounted that Rashid left home on Tuesday morning and did not return. The family was informed by police the next day and asked to identify Rashid’s body. Ajaz claimed that police told him Rashid was a militant, a claim he denied, and that the family was not allowed to take the body home for burial.
The Army’s initial statement described the operation as a response to suspicious movement in the area, resulting in the recovery of an AK-56 rifle. Reporting indicated that the Army’s XV Corps stated the operation was based on specific intelligence input and that soldiers observed suspicious activity before an exchange of fire occurred.
Political leaders, including Omar Abdullah, emphasised the need for transparency. Coverage revealed that Abdullah called for the facts to be made public and warned that any delay or lack of clarity would damage credibility. Mehbooba Mufti alleged the incident was a “fake encounter” and identified the deceased as an orphan who operated an NGO.
“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 Lieutenant Governor’s office stated.
The Home Department’s order specified that the inquiry should ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to Rashid Ahmad Mughal’s death. Analysis showed that the District Magistrate is required to submit the final report directly to the Home Department within seven days of the order.
During the investigation, police officials confirmed that they were verifying whether Rashid had any past militant record. Further details emerged that Rashid’s brother is reportedly in Pakistan, according to the Senior Superintendent of Police, though the family disputes this claim and maintains that their other brother was killed in 2000.
The Defence spokesperson, when contacted, stated that the family can claim anything and described the matter as sensitive, adding that the truth will come out. Statements confirmed that the Army has not officially named the deceased, but the family and local officials have identified him as Rashid Ahmad Mughal, a resident of Chuntwaliwar Lar.
“Any attempt to obfuscate or delay the announcement of a probe will only damage credibility and that is not in anyone’s interest,” Omar Abdullah stated on social media.
The magisterial inquiry is expected to examine all available evidence, including statements from the family, police, and Army, as well as forensic and operational details. Ongoing scrutiny from political leaders and civil society groups continues as the inquiry proceeds.
Note: This article is produced using AI-assisted tools and is based on publicly available information. It has been reviewed by The Quint's editorial team before publishing.