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posted by: Kavya Mishra
Last updated: Jun 11, 2023 at 3:49 PM IST
The role of terrorists in the killing was also excluded. (representative image/PTI)
Sepoy Yuvraj Uttam Rao of 17th Rashtriya Corps was found dead at the guard post with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest inside a camp at Banihal along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on May 19, 2006.
A court here has dismissed the closing report in the 17-year-old murder case of a soldier in the town of Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir and has expressed dismay at the police investigation, saying it raises serious doubts about efforts to protect someone.
The Judicial Judge, First Class, Banihal, Manmohan Kumar also directed Superintendent of Police Ramban to monitor the investigation of the case and finish it within three months.
Sepoy Yuvraj Uttam Rao of the 17 Rashtriya Corps was found dead at the guard post with multiple gunshot wounds in the chest inside a camp at Banihal along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on May 19, 2006.
“There are inconsistencies in the (police) investigation as the Investigating Officer (IO) noted at some point that some unknown officials killed the deceased and at the same time the IO himself concluded that the death may have been an act of terrorists.
However, the IO had not gathered any evidence that any transgression or attack had taken place in the army camp on the fateful night.
The role of the terrorists in the killing was also ruled out as holes were discovered in the roof of the guard station which appeared to have been fired from inside the guard station rather than from the outside as the tin shed was opened towards the outside,” the court said in its order on Friday.
The court said that the investigation of the case remained inconclusive for nearly 17 years, and the investigation agency noted that someone from inside the camp had committed the crime but they could not identify the accused.
“The investigation of the case has reached a dead end without identifying the culprits… The IO’s excuse that the accused could not be traced or identified is unreasonable, as the deceased was not alone in the camp, there were a number of army personnel besides the officers on duty then.” And there,” the court said.
She said that the investigations conducted by international organizations show a complete reluctance on her part to reveal the truth or a lack of knowledge of the law necessary to investigate a crime such as murder.
The injury and callousness of the police is reflected in the fact that they are unable to identify the accused within the four walls of the camp. The court said the court was dissatisfied with the manner in which the police were slow in failing to conduct a proper investigation, raising serious doubts about efforts to protect a person.
The court said it was surprising to note that the closure record was kept at Banihal Police Station for six years after the completion of the investigation. The closure record was prepared in 2016, but was brought to court in 2021.
The court said the case requires further investigation in order to achieve justice.
“It has been a long time and there is no doubt that there is urgency in this matter now, so this court directs that further investigation should be carried out within three months from today and the police report submitted to the concerned court where the case must be pursued thereafter in accordance with the law.”
(This story was not edited by the News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)
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