FIR against ex-Punjab DGP, his wife in connection with their son’s death

The Haryana Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Mohammad Mustafa, the former Director General of Police (DGP) for Punjab (Human Rights), his wife Razia Sultana, a former PWD Minister, and two additional individuals. They face allegations of murder and criminal conspiracy related to the mysterious death of their son, Aqil Akhtar.

The FIR was filed at the request of the deceased’s neighbour, Shamshudeen Chaudhary, at the Mansa Devi Complex police station in Panchkula on October 20. Aqil’s wife and sister have also been named as accused in the case.

Aqil, a resident of Panchkula’s Sector 4, had posted a video on his social media account on August 27 alleging that his father had illicit relations with his wife and said that his entire family, including his mother and sister, were conspiring to kill him or implicate him, said the FIR.

He later died due to suspected drug overdose. “It is clearly [a] case of foul play. In view of his prior video statement and the serious allegations made therein, the cause of death requires a thorough, fair, and impartial investigation,” said the complainant in the FIR.

Akhter, while referring to the matters pertaining to the family, said in the purported video that he had been going through a lot of stress and mental trauma because of this.

“I feel they will frame me in a false case… Their plan is to have me falsely imprisoned or even killed, but they are unable to have their way,” he said in the video.

He also alleged that his family members often told him that he was delusional and was hallucinating. “They are trying to establish a false narrative,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, seeking immediate investigation into the case, the complainant Shamshuddin alleged there was “simmering discontent” between the deceased and his family.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Panchkula, Srishti Gupta said that Aqil was found dead at his residence on October 16 and the family members had informed the police, and their statement was recorded. As no foul play was initially suspected, post-mortem examination was conducted, and the body was handed over to the family for last rites. Subsequently, certain social media posts and videos surfaced, purportedly made by the deceased prior to his death, alleging personal disputes and apprehensions about threats to his life.

“On October 17, a complaint was received from Shri Shamshuddin of Malerkotla, Punjab, alleging foul play in the incident,” she said, while adding the complainant told the police that he knows the family quite well.

To ensure a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted under the supervision of an ACP-rank officer, said Ms. Gupta. The SIT will conduct a deep and scientific probe into all aspects surrounding the case, she said.

The DCP said that in view of the complaint and the contents of the social media posts, “an FIR dated October 20 under Section 103(1), 61 BNS has been registered at Police Station MDC, Panchkula.”

“It is reiterated that the investigation shall be conducted with an open mind and without any prejudice, ensuring that no guilty person is spared and no innocent person suffers. The Panchkula Police remains committed to upholding transparency and justice in this matter,” the police statement said.

(With inputs from PTI)