Srinagar: What was first believed to be a tragic accident in central Kashmir’s Kangan area of Ganderbal has now been confirmed as a premeditated murder, with police revealing that 22-year-old Ajaz Ahmed Rather was strangled to death by his own friends before being thrown into a power canal.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Muhammad Khalil Poswal, told reporters on Wednesday that the investigation uncovered a chilling sequence of events.
SSP Poswal, as per KNC, said Ajaz a resident of Sultan Colony Kangan, had gone out to play cricket with two acquaintances, identified as Niyazul Haq and Moieen, when a heated argument broke out between them.
According to police, the two later bought a wire, an act captured on CCTV, and used it to strangle Ajaz. After ensuring he was dead, they dumped his body into the canal to make it appear as if he had drowned.
“The wire used in the crime has been recovered and clear strangulation marks were found on the victim’s neck,” SSP Poswal said, adding that forensic and scientific evidence will play a crucial role in strengthening the prosecution’s case.
Meanwhile, both accused have been arrested and a murder case has been registered. SSP Poswal also urged parents and the community to keep a closer watch on the behaviour and company of young people to prevent such tragedies. “The police are committed to ensuring justice for the victim and his family,” he added. (KNC)
