Former president of J&K High Court Bar association Srinagar, detained for questioning, elections postponed
- In Reports
- 12:24 PM, Jun 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Jammu and Kashmir police detained and interrogated Mian Qayoom, the former president of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association Srinagar. This action was part of an investigation into a conspiracy related to the murder of advocate Babar Qadri in 2020.
State Investigation Agency officials summoned and subsequently detained Mian Qayoom for sustained interrogation regarding the murder case of advocate Babar Qadri, according to officials familiar with the matter.
They assert that "substantial evidence" has been gathered implicating Qayoom as a primary suspect in the case. However, neither the SIA nor the Jammu and Kashmir police have issued a formal statement confirming his detention or arrest at this time.
On September 24, 2020, Babar Qadri, known for his active participation in heated TV debates on Kashmir's situation, was fatally shot at his residence in the Hawal area of downtown Srinagar. The assailants, posing as potential clients, carried out the killing.
At the time, Qadri had recently launched his own political party and had been vocal on social media, criticising the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (J&KHCBA) Srinagar, of which he was a member. Following his party's establishment, his membership in the association was suspended.
In 2021, a chargesheet was filed against six accused individuals under sections 307 IPC, 7/27 Arms Act, and 16, 18 UAPA in connection with Babar Qadri's murder. Subsequently, section 302 IPC was also invoked in the case. The accused had alleged the involvement of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Saqib Manzoor in Qadri's killing. Manzoor, along with an associate, was later killed in an encounter.
In 2022, police conducted raids at multiple locations, including premises associated with Mian Qayoom. During these raids, law enforcement claimed to have recovered numerous documents and electronic devices, which are now undergoing further examination.
In 2023, the investigation into Babar Qadri's murder was transferred to the State Investigation Agency as the probe progressed. Subsequently, the case was relocated from Srinagar to a court in Jammu. Following this transfer, an award of Rs ten lakh was announced for information leading to the individuals responsible for the incident.
The District Magistrate of Srinagar has suspended the election of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (J&KHCBA) Srinagar, citing concerns over security and potential unrest. The decision follows a communication from the Kashmir Advocates Association, which raised issues regarding the legality and authenticity of the J&KHCBA Srinagar.
Among their concerns are accusations of propagating secessionist ideology and operating as an unregistered association. The Kashmir Advocates Association has called for a ban on conducting elections for the J&KHCBA Srinagar based on these grounds.
The District Magistrate of Srinagar has issued an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, banning gatherings of four or more people at the District Court Complex, Moominabad, Batmaloo, and other locations for the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association Srinagar elections.
The decision aims to prevent potential public disorder and maintain peace, with strict enforcement by the Senior Superintendent of Police in Srinagar, and violations subject to legal consequences under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
Image source: The Economic Times
Comments