J&K LG orders magisterial probe into Ganderbal youth killing
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered an impartial magisterial inquiry to contain the growing public anger against the alleged killing of a local youth during an encounter in the Arhama area of Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir.
According to the communication of the Home Department dated April 2, 2026, the District Magistrate, Ganderbal, has been directed to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry into the matter to ascertain facts and circumstances leading to the death of Rashid Ahmad Moghul.
As per the directions, the inquiry is mandated to be completed within seven days, with the final report to be submitted directly to the home department.
“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 LG’s office posted on X.
Soon after the police authorities on Wednesday revealed the identity of the deceased killed during the Arhama encounter, the family members of the deceased raised hue and cry, claiming he was killed in a fake encounter.
The family had also demanded a high-level probe into the incident.
After the encounter was over, Srinagar-based Chinar Corps posted on X, “During the night of 31 Mar 26, the cordon was tactically reorganised amidst the intermittent firing underway. Own troops effectively retaliated with a calibrated response, resulting in one terrorist eliminated”.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday also demanded a “transparent and time-bound” probe with public disclosure of facts, while PDP president Mehbooba Mufti alleged the incident was a “fake encounter,” identifying the deceased as an orphan who operated an NGO.
