Gujjar Youth Killed in Police Firing: Firsthand Account Raises Questions, Politicians Demand Judicial Probe

Sarbjit Singh

Jammu Tawi, July 26:
Strong condemnation and widespread protests have erupted following the killing of a Gujjar youth, Parvez Ahmad (21), in police firing on July 24, escalating tensions in the region.

Hundreds of mourners and protestors have gathered at Parvez’s residence in Nikki Tawi, mourning the young man who was fatally shot just four kilometres from his home while riding a motorcycle.

The incident sparked a massive outcry, drawing condemnation from various quarters, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. A large number of community members, relatives, and political and social leaders have been visiting the victim’s home to offer condolences to the bereaved family.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident. Meanwhile, two policemen allegedly involved have been placed under suspension.

J&K Union Territory Minister Javed Ahmed Rana and former BJP state president Ravinder Raina were among those who visited the grieving family today.

Speaking at the residence, Javed Ahmed Rana claimed that the killing was a result of the “dual power system” in Jammu and Kashmir, referring to the Lieutenant Governor-led administration and the Omar Abdullah government.

“I have come here to express condolences on behalf of the government. This is sheer barbarism. There should be a judicial inquiry, and we urge the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to restore administrative balance and accountability as it existed earlier,” he said.

Rana further alleged that members of a particular community were being unfairly targeted and framed under the pretext of drug trafficking. “Even the police have admitted that an innocent person was killed. This wasn’t just a death—it was a brutal killing,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP leader Ravinder Raina said, “Taking swift cognizance of the incident, the DGP ordered an inquiry and suspended the two involved policemen. A committee has also been formed to submit a report to the District Magistrate within two weeks.”

According to Parvez Ahmad’s family, on the evening of July 24, Parvez and his brother-in-law had left home on a motorcycle to buy medicines for his ailing mother. Near the Surre Chak area of Phallian Mandal—barely a short distance from their residence—they encountered four men in plain clothes.

Believing them to be members of a cow protection vigilante group (“Gau Rakshak Organization”) and unaware they were policemen in plain clothes, Parvez and his brother-in-law tried to avoid confrontation. The family alleges that Parvez had previously had a dispute with a member of that group, raising their suspicions.

The four men were later identified as Head Constable Baljinder Singh and Constable Pawan Singh of the District Special Branch, Police Post Incharge Jyoti Chaudhary of Baili Chalana, and a local police informer. They were travelling in a private Swift car.

As the plainclothes team stopped the motorbike, a scuffle reportedly broke out. When one of the men pulled out a pistol, Parvez and his brother-in-law fled in different directions. A police official then fired a shot that struck Parvez in the back. He collapsed in a nearby field after running a short distance.

Shockingly, instead of providing immediate medical assistance, the team phoned Phallian Mandal Police Post Incharge Balbir Singh and informed him of the shooting. The incident fell under his jurisdiction.

Parvez reportedly lay injured in the field for 15 to 20 minutes before the Police Post Incharge arrived and transported him to GMC Hospital Jammu, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

A Northlines correspondent who visited the scene found members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) collecting evidence. Some of the members of the Special Branch involved in the incident were also seen among them assisting in the investigation.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the police team involved in the incident has been uncooperative with the SIT, particularly in identifying the exact location of the scuffle and the spot where Parvez collapsed after being shot. Forensic evidence was still being collected at the time of filing this report.