Accused Army Capt likely to be court-martialled

Srinagar, December 27

An Army Captain accused in the Shopian alleged fake encounter killings of three civilians in July this year is likely to be court-martialled after the completition of formalities, Army officials said.

The Army had ordered a court of inquiry earlier this year after reports appeared on social media that three youths, labelled as terrorists, had been gunned down by its personnel.

The court of inquiry, which completed its probe earlier in September, had found “prima facie” evidence that troops had “exceeded” powers under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) during the July 18 encounter in which three men were killed. Following this, the Army had initiated disciplinary proceedings.

Officials in know of the development said the two Army personnel may face court martial proceedings for violating the powers vested under the AFSPA, 1990, and not following the do’s and don’ts of the Chief of Army Staff as approved by the Supreme Court.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday filed a chargesheet against three persons, including the Army officer. The chargesheet was filed in the court of Principal District and Sessions Judge, Shopian, by the head of the Special Investigation Team.

Captain Bhupinder of 62 Rashtriya Rifles of the Army, Bilal Ahmad and Tabish Ahmad were named as accused in the chargesheet for their role in the alleged fake encounter killings of the youths hailing from Rajouri district, they said. The Army said on Friday it had completed the summary of evidence against two of its men involved in July’s Amshipura encounter in Shopian district. — PTI

Victims hailed from rajouri district

• Captain Bhupinder of 62 Rashtriya Rifles of the Army, Bilal Ahmad and Tabish Ahmad were named as accused in the chargesheet for their role in the alleged fake encounter killings of the youths hailing from Rajouri district, officials said
• The Army said on Friday it had completed the summary of evidence against two of its men involved in July’s Amshipura encounter in Shopian district
• A possible court martial could take place after completion of formalities against the accused, Army officials said