Kashmir DSP lynching: 20 accused arrested

TIL Desk/National/Srinagar/ Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sajid Ahmad Gilkar, who played a key role in instigating the mob to lynch DSP Ayub Pandith, was killed by security forces in Budgam district on July 12, the Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed on Monday.

Addressing a press conference, Munir Khan, IG Kashmir, said, “20 accused have been arrested and more arrests will be made soon. One accused involved in lynching the DSP was killed in an encounter between police and security forces at Budgam on 12th July.

“The case is going on expeditiously and effectively. The lynching of Deputy SP was a very serious incident and the first of its kind in the Valley,” the IG said.

The deputy superintendent of police was stripped naked and stoned to death by a mob outside the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar in a bizarre incident which drew all-round condemnation, including from Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and separatist Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

Describing the incident as ‘shameful’, the Chief Minister wondered how long the police would show restraint as she warned that there could be a backlash if the force loses patience.