4 Reasons Why J&K LG Ordered A Probe Into Ganderbal Encounter: Exclusive Details

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 6:51 PM IST

Govt sources tell News18 the discrepancies which forced Lieutenant Governor to order a time-bound magisterial enquiry into the Ganderbal encounter

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Image/News18

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a magisterial probe into the encounter in Ganderbal district in which one alleged terrorist was killed by security forces.

The family of the slain youth — Rashid Ahmad Mughal — had claimed that the deceased had no links to terrorism.

Sinha said“I have ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into Arhama, Ganderbal incident. The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served”.

News18 has now got exclusive inputs on why Sinha ordered a probe.

What government sources told News18

Discrepancies which forced Lieutenant Governor was compelled to order a time-bound magisterial enquiry to ensure transparency, according to government sources:

1. Investigators found the youth was wearing a new pair of jeans.

2. The sports shoes he was wearing, too, were new, with no dust, which is usually not the case in local or foreign terrorists.

3. Mughal was seen to be wearing a pouch near the waist, whereas terrorists usually wear it inside the Feren near the chest.

4. The AK-47 used was absolutely new. AK 47 shots are usually spread and in this case they hit his face only which suggest he was killed from point blank range.

Several mainstream leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, had raised questions about the encounter that took place on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. Abdullah had said on Thursday that, “I believe the claim of the family should not be dismissed out of hand. At the very least this encounter needs a transparent & time bound probe with the facts made public”.

“Any attempt to obfuscate or delay the announcement of a probe will only damage credibility & that is not in anyone’s interest,” he had said on X.

Public anger and demands from local representatives over the suspicious condition of the body and clothing were the main reasons behind the LG’s directive to the District Magistrate to conduct an impartial probe and submit a report within a strict deadline, said sources.

With PTI inputs

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