Shopian deaths: Major's father moves SC for quashing 'anti-army' FIR
The father of an army major, who has been named in an FIR in the Shopian civilian deaths, has approached the SC seeking quashing of the complaint. His son, Major Aditya, wasn't at the spot when the incident happened, and authorities had named him "in an arbitrary exercise of power," he claimed. An FIR was lodged against Aditya and 10 Garhwal Rifles for murder.
How the incident unfolded
Villagers claimed security personnel were attempting to remove posters of a slain militant on January 27 when an altercation ensued and they opened fire. But the army says a 200-strong mob attacked a convoy at Ganaupura Chowk, tried to set vehicles ablaze and lynch a jawan. Two civilians were killed on the spot, and another died later after being wounded. Seven soldiers sustained injuries.
Army claims Major Aditya wasn't at the spot
J&K Police filed an FIR against the 10th Garhwal Unit under Sections 302, 307 and 336, thus charging it with murder, attempt to murder and endangering life. But the army has maintained Major Aditya was leading the "administrative convoy" and wasn't at the firing site.
Army's rights have to be protected, petition says
Aditya's father, in his petition, has claimed that "army personnel present there were doing lawful military duty peacefully and...were forced to take lawful actions for protection of government property without excessive use of force." He highlighted that "violent mobs in Kashmir have frequently obstructed bonafide government duties and resorted to lynching and killing of government officials." Soldiers' rights should be protected, he argued.
Report of magisterial enquiry expected by February end
Instead, an FIR should be filed against those involved in terrorist activities that cause damage to government property, the petition says. A magisterial enquiry looking into the Shopian incident is to submit its report within 20 days.
