Sheikh Saleem
SRINAGAR: In a twist to the investigation in Aloosa, Bandipora fake encounter case, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has revealed that the samples produced by police were not handled properly.
The report has suggested that the bullets had been fired from the rifle recovered from the deceased youth but no finger print have been traced on the rifle (exhibit) thus raising questions over the investigation of the case.
The report number FSL/51-FP/SGR dated 11-08-2012 reads, “The exhibit (rifle) was not properly packed”.
On July 23 this year, Hilal Ahmad Dar was killed allegedly in a fake encounter at Ashtangoo. It was suspected that Hilal was tortured before being shot dead. Presence of a rusted gun near the body added to the mystery.
Investigation was initiated under FIR number 143 U/S 302/34 RPC and two persons Nazir Ahmed Bhat and Muhammad Ramzan -an Army source were arrested and questioned. A rifle (AK 56) bearing number 3912 was also recovered from Nazir.
On examining the rusted gun recovered near the encounter site bearing number AFK 2966/1995, it was found that 15 cartridges were fired from the gun with a broken pistol grip.
Report says that both the rifles- recovered from the encounter site and the rifle recovered from accused- have been fired through.
Forensic report bearing number FSL 50-FP/SGR dated 11-08-2012, on examining the rifle number 3912, revealed that no finger print have been detected from the rifle though it was fired through.
The rifle recovered from the accused was also not properly packed, the report said.
Though police have closed the investigation with the statement that there is no further evidence available with the investigation agency; however, the agency has not been able to trace the culprits thus raising questions over the fairness of the investigation.
FSL is not the only report that has raised fingers on the investigation.
The police report claimed that the third accused 27 RR unit “remained non-cooperative during investigation by police and did not answer many vital questions”.
However in the final report, police has acquitted army in the case.
Final report says that Army has parceled two papers- a leave certificate of CO and reply to police questionnaire which should be treated as final evidence.
Investigation revealed that the army source procured guns from Commanding Officer of 27 RR.
“I have to go through the case again and then I can comment after talking to my officers,” said Ramesh Kumar, DIG North, who was initially heading the investigation team.
Superintendent of Police denied to comment saying that the matter is sub judice.
(Courtesy Rising Kashmir)
