Tony Demands CBI Probe into Killing of Youth in Police Firing in Jammu

Jammu, July 26: District Development Council (DDC) Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony, has strongly condemned the killing of a young Gujjar youth, Mohammad Parvez, in an alleged police firing incident at Surat Chak, under the jurisdiction of Satwari Police Station in Jammu. Calling the act “brutal and unjustified,” Tony has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the incident and murder charges against the police personnel involved.

Mohammad Parvez, 22, the youngest son of his family, was married just three months ago and earned his livelihood by running a tractor service. Tony emphasized that Parvez had no criminal history—not even a single FIR filed against him.

“This young man was innocent. He was earning a modest living through hard work, not crime. Branding him a drug peddler after his death is a shameful attempt to cover up a murder,” Tony said in a strongly worded statement. “Even if there had been an allegation, we live in a democracy governed by the rule of law, not khap panchayats or kangaroo courts.”

Tony expressed grave concern over what he described as growing impunity among certain police officials, asserting that those involved must be booked under murder charges. “No one is above the law. A uniform cannot shield criminal behavior,” he added.

Significantly, Tony pointed to the admission made by SP South Ajay Sharma, who publicly stated that “the youth was not killed, he is martyred.” Tony said this acknowledgment itself reflects that the police action was unjustified and tantamount to murder. “When a senior officer calls it martyrdom, it is a direct admission that wrong has been committed. The erring cops must face murder charges under the new BNS law. Moreover, martyr status should officially be accorded to Mohammad Parvez.”

At the same time, Tony acknowledged the swift response by senior police leadership under DGP J&K Nalin Prabhat, which included the suspension of two officers, registration of an FIR, and the provision of compensation along with a government job to the bereaved family.

“No amount of compensation can ever bring back a son, a husband, a brother. The pain this family feels cannot be erased with money or employment,” Tony said, reiterating the need for systemic police reform and public accountability mechanisms such as open darbars by top police brass to address community grievances and prevent future incidents.

Tony further demanded the immediate transfer and investigation of tainted officers allegedly linked to the mining and drug mafias. “Such elements must be taken to task. If we are to restore faith in law enforcement, we must clean up the system from within.”

In a broader context, Tony praised the J&K Police for its stellar record in combating deadly militancy, especially in some of the most hostile and volatile regions of the country. He lauded the force for its unparalleled bravery, professionalism, and dedication in maintaining law and order under extreme circumstances. “There is no doubt that the Jammu and Kashmir Police has stood as the first line of defence in the Union Territory’s most difficult times. Their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism are commendable and deeply respected,” Tony stated.

However, he cautioned that recent incidents, including the controversial Avtar Singh murder case in Jammu, threaten to tarnish the credibility and public trust the force has built over the years. In that case, Avtar Singh, a local businessman, was murdered over a land dispute—an incident that led to public outrage and multiple arrests, including former SSP Sheikh Mehmood and several bureaucrats allegedly linked to the crime.

“While J&K Police has reached greater heights and continues to serve with distinction, corrupt practices and high-profile scandals like these risk wiping out all the goodwill built through courageous service,” Tony stressed. “The need of the hour is not just to punish the guilty but to protect the integrity of the many honest officers who serve with pride and selflessness.”