No place for extra-judicial killings in democracy: Mehbooba on Jammu youth’s killing

Jammu: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti visited the family of a 21-year-old youth who was killed after a police chase in Jammu, and stressed the need for accountability and upholding the rule of law.

The deceased, Parvez Ahmed, a Gujjar youth from Nikki Tawi in Jammu, was reportedly killed when police were pursuing suspected drug peddlers in the Satwari area. His death triggered community protests, with his family accusing the police of killing an “innocent” person in what they allege was a “staged encounter.”

Calling for a fair and time-bound investigation, Mehbooba Mufti said extra-judicial killings have no place in a democracy. The former chief minister travelled from Srinagar to offer condolences to the bereaved family and was accompanied by several PDP leaders.

According to a PDP spokesperson, “PDP president Mehbooba Mufti visited the family of Parvez Ahmed in Nikki Tawi, who fell victim to a staged encounter.” She extended her condolences and promised full support in the family’s fight for justice.

*“Accountability and the rule of law must prevail. Such extra-judicial killings are unacceptable in a democratic society,”* Mufti said.

Several political leaders across party lines have visited the family in recent days. Chief Minister and NC leader Omar Abdullah met the family on July 28 and assured them of justice. Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary had visited the home on July 27 and demanded an impartial inquiry.

NC leader Javed Rana  met the family on Saturday, and former BJP president Ravinder Raina visited them on July 29.

The administration had earlier ordered a magisterial enquiry into the incident and registered an FIR. Two police personnel have been suspended, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been tasked with probing the case.