Ex-MLA’s death was murder, says BJP, seeks probe by SIT

Two days after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former legislator from Gurez, Faqeer Muhammad Khan, shot himself dead in Srinagar, the BJP on Saturday alleged that the incident is “suspicious” and was “likely a murder”.

BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur told reporters in Central Kashmir’s Kangan, where BJP leaders on Saturday visited to offer condolences to the family, that Khan had no depression and was fine.

“But the condition in which he died is suspicious. We have a doubt it is not a suicide and he was killed under a conspiracy,” he said.

On Thursday, Khan shot himself at his official residence in Tulsi Bagh, Srinagar.

J-K Police on the day of the incident said initial findings suggest the incident “appears to be a case of suicide”. “Further investigation is ongoing, considering all aspects,” the police said.

Thakur claimed the rifle found was “positioned” between Khan’s legs. “Who was present at the time of the incident? Who did this?” he asked. He requested police authorities to investigate the matter and form a SIT. “We think that this is not suicide, it is a murder,” he said.