Former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa, Ex-Minister Razia Sultana Booked for Son’s Death; SIT Formed for Probe. 

Chandigarh / Panchkula:

In a shocking development, Haryana Police have registered a case of murder and criminal conspiracy against former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Mohammad Mustafa and his wife Razia Sultana, a former minister in the Punjab government, in connection with the death of their son Akil Akhter. The deceased, an advocate by profession, was found dead under “suspicious circumstances” at his residence in Sector 4, MDC, Panchkula, on October 16.

The couple, along with Akhter’s wife and sister, have been booked following a complaint lodged by Shamshuddin, a resident of Malerkotla, Punjab. The case was registered on October 20 under Sections 103(1) (murder) and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), replacing similar sections of the Indian Penal Code under the new legal framework.

Mysterious Circumstances, Video Evidence Cited in Complaint

According to Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Srishti Gupta, the family informed police after discovering Akhter dead in his room. Initially, no foul play was suspected, and the body was handed over to the family for last rites after post-mortem.

However, the situation took a turn when Shamshuddin submitted a formal complaint, citing the existence of a video allegedly recorded and posted by Akhter in August. In the video, Akhter reportedly made grave allegations against his father, wife, and other family members. He expressed fear for his life, claiming he was under immense mental trauma and alleged that he was being targeted and gaslighted by his family.

“I feel they will frame me in a false case… Their plan is to have me falsely imprisoned or even killed,” Akhter said in the purported video, also accusing his family of trying to portray him as mentally unstable.

Contradictory Video Surfaces Before Death

Interestingly, the police also noted the presence of a second video, allegedly recorded more recently, in which Akhter retracted his earlier statements. In this video, he reportedly stated, “I had posted a video earlier, in which I said many things. It was due to my mental illness… I am blessed with such a good family.”

Despite the retraction, Shamshuddin pressed for an impartial investigation, asserting that Akhter had “clear apprehensions” regarding threats to his life. He added that there was ongoing “simmering discontent” within the family and urged authorities to take the matter seriously.

Special Investigation Team Formed

Taking cognisance of the allegations and videos circulating on social media, the Panchkula Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)-rank officer. DCP Gupta said the team will conduct a “deep and scientific probe” into all aspects of the case.

“The investigation will be conducted with an open mind and without prejudice. We are committed to ensuring no guilty person is spared and no innocent person suffers,” said DCP Gupta, adding that the police are treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

Background of Accused

Mohammad Mustafa is a retired 1985-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and served as the DGP of the Punjab Human Rights Commission. His wife, Razia Sultana, served as a minister in the previous Congress-led Punjab government.

Attempts to reach Mustafa and Razia Sultana for their comments remained unsuccessful.

Political & Legal Implications

The case has sparked significant attention in Punjab and Haryana political circles, given the high-profile status of those involved. Legal experts suggest that the inclusion of Sections 103(1) and 61 under the BNS points to the seriousness with which the case is being treated.

The unfolding investigation is expected to delve into family dynamics, electronic evidence, and forensic reports in detail. The SIT has not disclosed any immediate arrests but indicated that all suspects will be questioned as part of a fair and thorough inquiry.

The developments in the case are being closely monitored by the public and media, with calls for justice trending across social platforms.