Incident Overview and Initial Police Statement

In a controversial incident in Jammu and Kashmir, two police officers have been suspended following the death of Mohammad Parvaz, a 21-year-old tribal man. The tragic event unfolded on Thursday evening when Parvaz was shot by police officers dressed in civilian clothes. Initially, the police reported that they were pursuing a suspected drug dealer when they came under fire. During the exchange, an unidentified person was injured and subsequently taken to GMC Jammu for medical treatment.

Community Outrage and Allegations

The killing of Parvaz, who was newly married, has ignited widespread protests across the region. His family and the broader tribal community have vehemently denied the police’s allegations, labeling the incident as a murder. The uproar has prompted calls for an impartial investigation from various leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Contradictory Statements and Media Blame

In a surprising development, the police later contradicted their initial narrative, accusing local media of misrepresenting Parvaz as a drug dealer. This shift in stance has further fueled public anger and skepticism about the police’s handling of the case.

Official Response and Investigation

To address the growing unrest among the Gujjar Bakerwal community, a senior police official declared Parvaz a martyr. Ajay Sharma, South Jammu City Superintendent of Police, announced that two officers involved in the shooting had been suspended. He emphasized the police’s commitment to societal unity and confirmed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.

Unresolved Questions and Community Demands

According to Parvaz’s family, he was out with a relative to purchase medicine when they were confronted by men in civilian attire near Satwari police station. Mistaking them for cow vigilantes, they attempted to escape. The exact circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, with conflicting accounts about why officers in plain clothes resorted to gunfire.