Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered a high-level inquiry into an encounter that occurred in Gutlibagh, Ganderbal, following a local family's challenge to the police's assertion that the individual killed was a Pakistani terrorist. The incident took place on Monday night, with the Chief Minister issuing the directive for a comprehensive probe on Tuesday, citing the "serious nature" of the family's counter-claim regarding the deceased's identity.

The controversy began after Jammu & Kashmir Police reported on Monday night that an individual identified as Abu Talha, a Pakistani national, had been killed in an encounter in the Gutlibagh area of Ganderbal district. Police officials stated that an AK-47 rifle, along with magazines and grenades, was recovered from the deceased at the site. The body was subsequently transported to the police control room in Srinagar for identification procedures.

However, a family from Shopian district swiftly approached authorities, disputing the police narrative. They identified the deceased as Showkat Ahmad Khan, their son, who they reported had been missing since April 27. The family presented medical documentation, including discharge summaries from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore, asserting that Showkat Ahmad Khan suffered from a mental health condition and had received treatment there. They emphasized that their son was not a terrorist and demanded custody of the body for burial.

Chief Minister Abdullah addressed the unfolding situation, acknowledging the gravity of the family's allegations. He stated that similar incidents in the past, such as the Machil fake encounter case, had led to significant repercussions for the administration. Emphasizing the need for transparency and a thorough investigation, the Chief Minister directed Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Khoda to constitute a high-level team specifically tasked with probing the Ganderbal incident. This directive underscores the government's stance on ensuring accountability in such cases.

Following the Chief Minister's directive, a police spokesperson reiterated the department's initial claim. The spokesperson maintained that the individual killed in the Gutlibagh encounter was indeed Abu Talha, a Pakistani national, and confirmed the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, other weapons, and ammunition from the encounter site. The spokesperson also confirmed that the body was being held at the police control room, and the family of Showkat Ahmad Khan had visited to view the deceased. The process of establishing the identity of the individual remains ongoing amidst the conflicting claims.

The high-level probe initiated by Chief Minister Abdullah is expected to examine all evidence presented by both the police and the family. The investigation will aim to clarify the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the encounter. The outcome of this inquiry is anticipated to address the family's concerns and inform subsequent actions regarding the case.