Fake encounter victim's body exhumed for DNA test in Kashmir

Sumbal, north Kashmir, Feb 1 (UNI) A two-member team from the Chandigarh-based Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) today exhumed the body of Abdul Rehman Padder, who was allegedly killed in a fake encounter, and took samples for DNA mapping.

Several senior Jammu and Kashmir police and civil officials besides the magistrate, the health officer, witnesses and family members were also present at the time of exhumation of the body.

The team of forensic experts started exhuming Padder's body from a grave at Bathpora village in Sumbal, about 40 km from Srinagar, at around 1515 hrs and took samples for conducting the DNA mapping.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Farooq Ahmed, who is supervising the Special Investigation Team probing the case, said they want to conduct the inquiry in a ''fair and transparent'' manner so that the truth comes out.

''We want to be careful while exhuming the body so that the evidence remains intact. It is very important for us to identify the body. There is all possibility that putrefaction would have taken place and the face may be beyond recognition due to bullet injuries.

The body can be identified by clothes or some marks,'' he added.

Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Bashir Ahmad Khan had already ordered exhumation of Padder's body for conducting the DNA test.

The DIG said it was necessary to have scientific evidence for making a significant headway in the case. ''We have already got the scientic evidence through mobile phone,'' he added.

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