New leads emerge in the J&K fake encounter case

Even as Kashmir simmers over the killing of three youth by army in an alleged fake encounter, new leads are emerging in the case with investigations revealing that money has changed hands for staging this operation allegedly by 4-Rajputana Riffles, which has been shifted from the Machil sector some days back.

Sources said the shifting of 4-Rajputana Riffles to Meerut was as per schedule and its moving out had nothing to do with the fake encounter case which has sullied the image of the army. They have been replaced by another unit which has been entrusted the job of guarding the LoC at Machil.

Police have already registered a case of murder and abduction against the army. Three local people have already been arrested and an army major is currently under the scanner for staging this gun battle at Machil.  

"Of course money has changed hands, but how much is a matter of investigation. Whenever we have material on file we shall make requisition for investigating these people (from the army)", said Farooq Ahmad, IGP, Kashmir range.

Sources said the three accused -- surrendered militant turned special police official Bashir Ahmad, his accomplice Fayaz Ahmad and Syed Abbas working in Territorial Army-- currently in the police custody had got a cut from the reward money for luring the three men who were later killed in a staged encounter dubbing them as infiltrators.

Shahzad Ahmad Khan, Mohammad Shafi Lone and Riyaz Ahmad Lone of Nadihal Rafiabad, Sopore had gone missing on April 27 prompting their families to lodge a missing report with the police.
After preliminary investigations the police converted the report into a kidnapping case and zeroed in on two people Bashir and Fayaz. On Friday police arrested their third accomplice Syed Abbas of Territorial Army.

The three civilians were lured to work as porters for the army and promised good money for the job. But instead they were taken to Machil where they were handed over to army who killed them in an alleged fake encounter and were branded infiltrators on April 30.

Even the defence spokesperson in Srinagar on April 30 issued the statement boasting about foiling the infiltration bid by killing three infiltrators on the LoC in Machil sector .The slain were later buried in Kalaroos graveyard as unidentified militants. But after the families saw the pictures they suspected foul play.

On Friday all the three bodies were exhumed from the graveyard in the presence of their families which identified their kins and then took them to Rafiabad for last rites.

Tension has mounted in Kashmir over the killing with protestors clashing with police at a number of places in north Kashmir and Srinagar. Six people including three cops were injured in the stone pelting incidents at Baramulla. The protestors had blocked the Baramulla-Handwara highway and when police tried to clear they were pelted stones.

"There were some incidents in which some people suffered injuries. The situation is under control and there is nothing to worry", said Shakeel A Beag, SSP Baramulla.

There are two probes currently being held to uncover the truth. The state government has asked divisional commissioner Kashmir Naseema Lankar to enquire while army has also ordered a fast-track internal probe to fix the responsibility.

"A person not less than divisional commissioner is probing the matter.  No efforts will be spared to reach to the bottom of the case", said Omar Abdullah, J&K chief minister.

An army spokesman in Srinagar said the army is concerned about the seriousness of the allegations. "As and when a formal report is received from the police authorities, a fast track enquiry will be instituted to ascertain the facts. In case any wrongdoing comes to light, expeditious action to bring the guilty to book will be taken", he said.