The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Jammu South, Manu Hansa, appointed to probe the killing of 21-year-old Gujjar youth Parvez Ahmad in a police encounter on July 24, 2025, has issued a public notice inviting information, evidence, or statements from anyone with knowledge of the incident. The move comes amid widespread protests by the Gujjar community, who allege that Ahmad, a resident of Nikki Tawi, was “murdered” in a “staged” encounter by police in Satwari while chasing suspected drug peddlers.

The inquiry, ordered by District Magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya on July 25, aims to ensure a “fair and transparent” investigation into the circumstances of Ahmad’s death. The SDM has set a deadline of August 4, 4:30 PM, for submissions, which can be made in person, in writing, via email (sdmsouthjammu@gmail.com), or by phone (9484002110). Confidentiality is assured for those requesting it. A parallel Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police and a departmental inquiry by DySP Headquarters are also underway, with two policemen—Head Constable Baljinder Singh and Selection Grade Constable Pawan Singh—suspended pending the probe.

Ahmad’s family disputes the police narrative, claiming he and his brother-in-law, Zahoor Ahmad, were stopped by plainclothes officers near Phallian Mandal while buying medicine for Zahoor’s mother. Zahoor, who escaped, alleged they were beaten, with guns held to their heads, before Parvez was shot. The family initially mistook the officers for cow vigilantes due to prior disputes. Parvez lay injured for 15–20 minutes before being taken to Government Medical College Jammu, where he was declared dead. The police FIR (No. 153/2025) claims the duo fired at officers during a routine check, prompting retaliatory fire, a version the family calls fabricated.

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The incident has sparked a political firestorm. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called it “highly unfortunate,” demanding a time-bound probe, while Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary labeled it “daylight murder.” Minister Javed Ahmad Rana accused “people in high offices” of orchestrating a campaign against tribal communities, escalating tensions. Leaders from the National Conference, PDP, BJP, and Apni Party, including Mian Altaf Ahmad and Mehbooba Mufti, have demanded justice, with the administration offering ₹35 lakh compensation and a job for Ahmad’s kin.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured that “if someone is found guilty, they will not be spared,” emphasizing the J&K administration’s mantra of protecting the innocent and punishing the guilty. With the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities—12% of J&K’s population—citing a pattern of alleged abuses, the inquiry’s outcome will be critical in addressing trust deficits and ensuring accountability.

[Sources: Daily Excelsior, The Wire, ProKerala, News18, Greater Kashmir, IBTimes India, Kashmir Life, Kashmir Observer, Hindustan Times, Social News XYZ, The Kashmir Images, Take One, Statetimes, Rising Kashmir, Northlines]

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