A Jammu and Kashmir Police constable has faced formal arrest linked to the killing of Mohammad Parvez, a 21-year-old Gujjar youth, during a shooting incident near Sure Chak village on July 24. This incident unfolded in the outskirts of Jammu city and triggered intense protests among the Gujjar community, which strongly rejected police assertions that Parvez was a drug peddler and labeled the shooting as a ‘fake encounter.’
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti hailed the arrest as a significant advancement toward justice. She asserted, “This serves as a reminder that no one, including law enforcement officials, is above the law.” Parvez’s tragic demise has raised serious questions regarding police accountability in Jammu and Kashmir.
In response to the mounting allegations, the Jammu and Kashmir Police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Furthermore, a magisterial inquiry was initiated, not only to examine the circumstances surrounding the event but also to address the community’s grievances. Political leaders, including chief minister Omar Abdullah, openly condemned the shooting and stressed the necessity for a transparent investigation.
Official alerts from the police disclosed that selection grade constable Pawan Singh was arrested and charged under section 105 of the BNS for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. However, details regarding the charges remain sparse. Following the incident, both Singh and head constable Baljinder Singh were suspended pending the investigation’s outcome.
Mehbooba Mufti commented on this development through a post on X, emphasizing its significance as a step forward: “The arrest of Pawan Singh in connection with the tragic death of Parvez is a crucial step toward justice. It is a reminder that no one, not even those in uniform, is above the law. This sends a strong message that accountability within the police force is not optional.”
Mufti expressed sorrow over Parvez’s untimely loss but conveyed hope that this arrest could pave the way for justice. She described Parvez as an innocent victim, whose life was unjustly cut short, and reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring justice.
Commending senior police officials, she added, “SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh, under the leadership of IGP Jammu, deserves appreciation for ensuring a fair and transparent investigation, a step that helps restore faith in the system. Hope now the judicial process takes its course and that Parvez, silenced in life, finds justice at last.”
The sentiments reflected by influential political figures highlight a larger concern regarding police conduct in the region. Many stakeholders advocate for systemic reforms and greater accountability to regain community trust. The tragic death of Mohammad Parvez serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for justice and transparency in law enforcement.
