A Jammu and Kashmir Police constable has been arrested regarding the shocking killing of a Gujjar youth, Mohammad Parvez, during a firing incident in July. This development marks a vital step in the pursuit of justice for the victim’s family.
Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, described the arrest as a significant advancement in ensuring accountability. She stated, “This is a reminder that no one, not even those in uniform, is above the law.”
Parvez, a 21-year-old resident of Niki Tawi, lost his life on July 24 when police allegedly shot him during a reported shootout near Sure Chak village, situated on the outskirts of Jammu city.
The tragic incident ignited widespread protests among the Gujjar community, who fervently rejected the police’s narrative that labeled Parvez a drug peddler. Instead, they accused the police of conducting a “fake encounter” leading to his death.
In light of these grave allegations, the Jammu and Kashmir Police promptly constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and initiated a magisterial probe into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. This incident drew severe condemnation from various political leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, who visited the bereaved family to express solidarity and demand a thorough and transparent investigation.
Following the SIT’s findings, police arrested selection grade constable Pawan Singh and charged him under Section 105 of the BNS Act for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Details regarding the case remain sparse as officials have chosen to withhold further information at this juncture.
Singh, along with another officer, head constable Baljinder Singh, faced immediate suspension after the incident, pending a full investigation. Mufti emphasized the significance of the arrest in her comments, highlighting that it reinforces the need for accountability within the police force.
“The arrest of Pawan Singh in connection with the tragic death of Parvez is a crucial step toward justice. This sends a strong message that accountability within the police force is not optional,” she added in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Mufti further asserted that Parvez was an innocent individual whose untimely death leaves an irreplaceable void. Nonetheless, she expressed hope that this arrest would pave the way for justice, offering a glimmer of solace to Parvez’s grieving family.
She praised the efforts of SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh, under the leadership of IGP Jammu, stating that their dedication to conducting a fair and transparent investigation is commendable. “This step helps restore faith in the system. Hope now the judicial process takes its course and that Parvez, silenced in life, finds justice at last,” Mufti remarked.
The ongoing investigation highlights the need for increased scrutiny and accountability within law enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that public trust hinges on transparent judicial processes that serve justice appropriately. The arrest of a police officer in such a high-profile case underlines the critical dialogue surrounding police conduct and the imperative for reform within the system.
