J&K: 20 held for DSP lynching

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested 20 persons in connection with the mob lynching of DSP Mohd Ayub Pandith here last month, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Munir Khan said here on Monday.

A militant involved in the killing of the police officer was shot dead in an encounter with security forces on July 12, the IGP said addressing a press conference on the status of the investigations in the case.

Pandith was lynched outside Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of the city on June 22.

The IGP said the investigation in the case is still on and more arrests are likely to take place.

"So far 20 accused have been arrested and one more, a militant identified as Sajad Ahmad Gilkar, was killed in an encounter with the security forces in Redbugh area of Budgam on July 12, Khan said.

"The investigation of the case is going on at a fast pace and some more arrests are expected which will lead to the completion of the investigation and the case will be submitted for judicial determination, he said.

Khan said the police is making vigorous efforts to identify the remaining assailants involved in the crime, while recovery of other evidences related to the commission of the crime is underway.

"The important pieces of evidence including an iron rod, by which the officer was hit, his identity card, service pistol (in a damaged condition) and his cell phone have been recovered, he said.

The IGP said it was encouraging to note that people came forward to provide valuable information which led to a substantial headway in the investigations.

"Unlike other cases, there was widespread condemnation by cross-section of the society.general public and eyewitnesses voluntarily came forward to render assistance in the investigation and provide valuable information. This led us to the right conclusion and the right line of investigation, he said.

Khan said in the initial phase, three persons were arrested and questioned which led to subsequent arrests and recovery of the evidence.