A significant development has emerged in the case of 30-year-old Rashid Ahmad Mughal, who was killed in an alleged encounter in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities exhumed Rashid's body and handed it over to his family nearly two and a half months after his death. The family subsequently reburied him in the graveyard of his native village, Chant Waliwar, in the Lar area.
According to family members, Rashid's body was exhumed on June 13 and handed over to them the same day amid tight security arrangements. Only select family members were allowed to attend the final rites, while police personnel were also present. Police officials have confirmed that the body was exhumed and handed over to the family last week.
What is the case?
The incident dates back to April 1, 2026, when the Army claimed the killing of a "suspected terrorist" during an encounter in the Arhama forest area of Ganderbal district. At the time, the identity of the deceased was not disclosed. Later, an ATM card recovered near the body helped the Jammu and Kashmir Police to establish the identity of the deceased.
The investigation revealed that the deceased was Rashid Ahmad Mughal, a resident of Ganderbal district. The case subsequently became embroiled in controversy, as Rashid's family categorically rejected the Army's claim, asserting that he had no links to terrorism.
According to the family, Rashid was an educated young man who earned his livelihood by helping villagers obtain domicile certificates, MGNREGA job cards, pension benefits, and bank loans. The family alleges that he was wrongly branded as a terrorist.
Rashid's brother, Aijaz Ahmad, stated that Rashid left home on the morning of March 31 but did not return by evening. When the family tried to contact him around 6 p.m., his mobile phone was switched off. Since he used an old handset, the family initially assumed that it might have malfunctioned.
Family informed of his death the next day
According to Aijaz, a local police officer arrived at their home the following morning and informed them that Rashid had met with an accident. The family was then taken to a police station in Srinagar, where they were shown a body for identification. Aijaz said he was shocked to discover that the body was that of his brother, Rashid.
He alleges that the police later informed the family that Rashid had been killed in an encounter as a terrorist, a claim that the family strongly disputes.
The family further alleges that despite repeated requests, the administration did not immediately hand over the body. Instead, it was taken to Handwara, and only Aijaz Ahmad was allowed to accompany it. The family claims they were not even permitted to see Rashid one last time.
Political controversy and magisterial inquiry
The incident also acquired political overtones, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti demanding an impartial investigation into the matter. Following mounting public pressure and controversy, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department ordered a magisterial inquiry into the encounter.
The J&K Home Department directed the Ganderbal District Magistrate to complete the inquiry within seven days, emphasizing the need for a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation. The move was aimed at ensuring transparency, maintaining public confidence, and delivering justice.
Investigation report still awaited
While announcing the inquiry, Manoj Sinha had stated that every aspect of the incident would be investigated comprehensively and impartially to ensure accountability and justice. However, several weeks after the inquiry was ordered, its findings have yet to be made public.
With Rashid Mughal's body now handed over to his family, the case has once again come under public scrutiny. Local residents, human rights activists, and political parties are keenly awaiting the magisterial inquiry report, which is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Rashid's death and determine whether he had any involvement in terrorist activities.
