LG Manoj Sinha Orders Magisterial Inquiry into Ganderbal Encounter to Ensure Justice

SRINAGAR/JAMMU, April 03, 2026 — Following the recent encounter in the Arhama area of Ganderbal, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has officially intervened by ordering a comprehensive investigation into the operation.

Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Lieutenant Governor emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that he has ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into the incident.

LG Sinha further clarified that the probe is designed to examine all aspects related to the encounter to ensure that justice is served for all parties involved.

This high-level intervention follows the Death of Raashid Ahmad Mughal, son of the late Gull Zaman Mughal of Chuntwaliwar Lar, during a security operation on April 1, 2026, which has since sparked significant public discourse regarding the circumstances of the event.

In direct alignment with the Lieutenant Governor’s directive, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s Home Department issued an urgent and confidential communication to the District Magistrate of Ganderbal on April 2, 2026.

The official order, signed by Under Secretary Rouf Ahmad Lone, mandates a swift and unbiased inquiry to ascertain the exact facts leading to the death of the local resident.

The administration has set a strict seven-day deadline for the completion of the investigation, requiring the final report to be submitted to the Civil Secretariat for immediate review.

By involving top-tier oversight—including the DGP of J&K and the Ministry of Home Affairs—the administration aims to address local concerns and uphold the rule of law through a documented and time-bound legal process.