Teenager killing case: BSF commandant arrested by J&K Police

A senior BSF officer, who was suspended in connection with the killing of a 16-year-old boy, was today arrested by Jammu and Kashmir Police following his questioning.

Commandant R K Birdi, who has been under suspension for his alleged role in the killing of Zahid Farooq, was arrested after he was handed over to the local police by the paramilitary force this morning.

The officer had yesterday withdrawn his anticipatory bail plea before Additional District and Session Judge Shakti Gupta in connection with the incident which had triggered widespread protests in the valley.

Birdi's name surfaced after the arrest of BSF jawan Lakhvinder Kumar, who was handed over to the police after internal investigation by the paramilitary force claimed that his service rifle was used to kill Farooq on February five.

Farooq was shot dead at Nishat after he along with his friends had entered into an altercation with BSF personnel who were returning to their camp at Shalimar along the famous Dal Lake.

Birdi's lawyer Maulvi Ejaz later said there were certain allegations against his client and, therefore, the special investigation team (SIT), probing the case, has taken him for "custodial investigation."

"He (Birdi) was never absconding and has presented himself before the SIT for investigation. 

 "And the SIT has assiduously and honestly till date investigated the matter. And according to the version of the SIT, there are certain allegations against him and the SIT has taken him for custodial investigation right now," Ejaz said.