Inquiry officer seeks public support for info into killing of Gujjar youth in Jammu

The J&K administration has initiated inquiry into the killing of a Gujjar youth on July 24 that created a political uproar in the union territory.

Parvez Ahmad (21), a youth from the Nikki Tawi area of Jammu, was killed when police were allegedly chasing drug peddlers in the Satwari area on Thursday. His killing has sparked protests by the Gujjar community, with the young man’s family accusing the police of murdering an “innocent” person in a “staged” encounter.

The Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Jammu South, Manu Hansa, who is the inquiry officer, through a public notice, has invited any person to submit relevant information, evidence, or statements concerning the events of July 24 that resulted in the death of Mohammad Parvez Ahmed alias Bachi.

A public notice issued by the SDM states: “It is hereby notified for the information of the general public that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the circumstances that led to the death of Parvez Ahmed.”

In order to conduct a fair and transparent inquiry, any person having knowledge, information, evidence or any other input related to the incident is hereby requested to come forward and submit the same before the undersigned (SDM Jammu South), the notice read.

“Statements, information or evidence (oral or written) may be submitted in person or in writing to the Inquiry Officer (Sub Divisional Magistrate, Jammu South) in his office during office hours by or before August 4. Information can also be shared at email address - sdmsouthjammu@gmail.com - or at contact number 9484002110,” it stated.

The SDM, in the notice, assured that the identity of individuals providing information or evidence, if desired, will be kept confidential upon request.

He said the notice is issued in the interest of justice and to ensure that all relevant facts are brought on record for fair and transparent conclusion of inquiry of the incident.