Army Orders Probe After J&K Professor Alleges Assault by Troops in Rajouri
A university professor in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district has alleged assault by army personnel during a vehicle check, prompting the Indian Army to initiate a probe.
The Indian Army on Friday launched an inquiry into an alleged assault on Liaqat Ali, a university professor, during a vehicle checking operation near the border village of Laam in Rajouri district. The incident occurred late Thursday night and has triggered widespread outrage after a video of the bleeding professor surfaced online.
According to the army’s preliminary findings, the scuffle reportedly began when Ali attempted to snatch a weapon from a soldier, following which he sustained head injuries. However, the army stated that a full investigation is underway to ascertain the facts.
In an official statement, the Indian Army said, “An incident has come to light wherein certain individuals were allegedly manhandled by army personnel in Rajouri district. The army had input on the likely movement of terrorists in a vehicle in this sensitive area.”
It added, “Preliminary information suggests that on being stopped, the individual tried to snatch weapons from the soldiers on duty, with whom he got into a scuffle. However, an inquiry has been initiated. Should any personnel be found guilty of misconduct, strict action will be taken in accordance with the existing law.”
The army also appealed for public cooperation in maintaining peace, stating it “remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.”
The alleged assault took place while Ali and his relatives, including serving personnel from the army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), were returning to Kalakote after attending a pre-wedding ceremony.
Police have registered an FIR at Nowshera police station under Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint) and 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against unidentified army personnel.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident, calling it a blot on the army’s reputation. “Such individuals tarnish the reputation of a respected institution through their unacceptable and high-handed behaviour,” she said.
The Rajouri district, close to the Line of Control, remains under heightened alert due to persistent threats of infiltration and terrorist movement. Vehicle checks and night patrols are part of routine counter-terrorism operations in the area.
