Family of carpenter killed in fake encounter seek justice

Srinagar, Jan 29 (UNI) The family of a carpenter, allegedly killed by the Jammu and Kashmir police in a fake encounter in Ganderbal area some weeks ago, today staged a protest here, demanding strict action against the guilty personnel.

Abdul Rehman Padder, a resident of Larnoo, Kokernag in Anantnag district, had gone missing from Batamaloo here on December 8, 2006.

A missing report was lodged with the Batamaloo police station here by his family on January 23 this year.

Padder, 35, was later allegedly killed by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir police in a fake encounter at Waskar in Ganderbal and dubbed as a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant, Abu Hafiz, a resident of Multan in Pakistan.

An AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 36 rounds of ammunition and a grenade were also claimed to have been seized from his possession.

The SOG men were reportedly awarded Rs 1,20,000 for killing him.

During the course of investigations, Padder's family members reported that he was in possession of a mobile phone.

Further inquiry by a Special Investigation Team led to the recovery of the mobile phone which was being used by Abdul Rashid Wagay, a resident of Kathpora Hajan Sonawari in Baramulla district.

The phone was given to him by ASI Farooq Ahmed Gudoo, a resident of Pethrompora in Ganderbal, and posted with the SOG Ganderbal.

After thorough investigations, ASI Gudoo and selection grade constable (driver) Farooq Ahmed Padder, posted in the District Police Lines Srinagar, were arrested in this connection.

Padder is survived by his wife Muneera, five small children, including four daughters and an aged father. His body is expected to be exhumed in a day or two for further investigations.

The state government yesterday attached Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal Hans Raj Parihar and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP-Operations) Ganderbal Bahadur Ram to ensure unbiased and fair investigations in the case.

The case has been entrusted to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Central Kashmir Range. It was earlier being investigated by the SIT headed by Superintendent of Police (South) Uttam Chand.

The DIG will conduct further investigations into the case.

Padder's wife, children, father, brother and relatives staged a protest at the Press Enclave here this afternoon, demanding strict action against the guilty police personnel.

With tears in their eyes, the family members sought justice and fair trial in the case.

They also demanded that his body be handed over to them.

''Unfortunately, the state government is not listening,'' they said.

The killing also rocked the state Assembly, at present in session at Jammu, with the opposition claiming that there were six other similar cases and the government should come out with a response on all these incidents.

''This is not an isolated incident. There are six other similar cases and we would like to know what action the government has taken against those involved in the killing of innocent people in fake encounters,'' the opposition members said.

UNI