The situation in Ganderbal has shifted significantly over the last 24 hours. While the Army

The situation in Ganderbal has shifted significantly over the last 24 hours. While the Army initially reported the neutralization of a "terrorist," serious allegations from the family and local leadership have led to an official government inquiry.
​Here is a report reflecting these developments and the public demand for justice.
​Ganderbal Encounter: LG Orders Magisterial Probe Amid Allegations of "Fake Encounter"
​SRINAGAR/GANDERBAL — Following intense public outcry and demands for justice from Jammu and Kashmir’s top political leadership, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a high-level magisterial inquiry into the recent encounter in the Arhama area of Ganderbal.
​The Developing Controversy
​The operation, which took place between March 31 and April 1, 2026, resulted in the death of 28-year-old Raashid Ahmad Mughal, a resident of Chuntwaliwar, Ganderbal. While security forces—including the 24 Rashtriya Rifles and 2 Assam Rifles—initially claimed to have killed an "unidentified terrorist," the narrative has been fiercely contested:
​Family’s Claim: The family of the deceased maintains that Raashid was an innocent civilian with no links to militancy. They state he was a post-graduate and a local youth who was home when the incident began.
​Serious Allegations: Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and other leaders have alleged that the victim's "clothes were changed" and that the Army's shifting statements—first calling him a "foreign militant" and later a "local"—point to a staged encounter.
​Political Demand: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti have both called for a transparent, time-bound investigation, stating that the claims of the family "should not be dismissed out of hand."
​Government Response
​In a post on X (formerly Twitter) today, April 3, LG Manoj Sinha announced that a "thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry" has been initiated. The District Magistrate of Ganderbal has been directed to submit a complete report within seven days to ascertain the true facts and circumstances leading to Raashid Ahmad Mughal's death.
​Current Atmosphere
​The Ganderbal region remains tense as residents wait for the outcome of the probe. Local leaders have urged the J&K Police to break their silence and ensure that the process remains independent and credible to maintain public trust in the judicial system.