Citing ex-Punjab DGP’s ‘influence’, Haryana seeks CBI probe into son’s death

The Haryana Government has written to the Centre recommending an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the death of former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa’s son Aqil Akhtar on October 16.

Aqil (35) was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the family’s house in Mansa Devi Complex in Panchkula. Following a complaint by Shamshudeen Chaudhary, a resident of Malerkotla (Punjab), on October 17, the Panchkula police filed an FIR on October 20 against Mustafa, his wife and former Punjab minister Razia Sultana, daughter and Aqil’s wife for murder and criminal conspiracy.

Sources said one of the reasons for referring the case to the CBI was “significant political and bureaucratic influence of the accused, which may impact the perception about objectivity and independence of the ongoing investigation”. “Given the nature of the allegations and the sensitivity involved, the probe must be conducted by an independent central agency to ensure public confidence,” said a senior government officer.

Another reason cited was that the case involved “examination of digital forensic evidence, social media content, call detail records and possible links across multiple state jurisdictions”. “These aspects may be better handled by an agency with specialised expertise and national jurisdiction,” said the officer.

The police have invoked Section 103 (1) (murder) and Section 61 (criminal conspiracy) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). In the complaint, Shamshudeen said, “On August 27, Aqil posted a video on social media wherein he levelled very serious allegations against his father and his wife, stating that he had discovered illicit relations between the two… he further mentioned his entire family, including his mother and sister, were conspiring to kill him or implicate him in a false case. He clearly expressed his apprehension that his life was in danger and that he might be killed by them.”

The complainant alleged that “now, the news of his sudden death confirmed his apprehensions”. “It is clearly a case of foul play. In view of his prior video statement and the serious allegations made therein, the cause of death requires a thorough, fair and impartial investigation,” he said.

On the other hand, Mustafa said his son had been a drug addict for the last 18 years. He even suggested that he might have died due to drug overdose. “He often became violent due to his illness,” Mustafa told reporters on Wednesday. He said his family endured this mental suffering for years.

“His condition worsened to the point where he didn’t understand what he was saying or doing,” the former DGP said. Regarding Aqil’s video, he said his son posted it on social media on August 27 and deleted it two hours later. “But some people downloaded it and are now misusing it to malign the family,” he said.