Srinagar: Jammu Kashmir Police Chief Friday revealed that two persons have been arrested in connection with the lynching incident at historical Jamia Masjid here in old Srinagar city on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.
Pertinently, group of people lynched a police officer to death after he allegedly was taking photographs of people outside the grand mosque. Police had earlier denied that victim was associated with JKP department. However, after investigation the deceased police officer was identified as Ayub Pandit, a Deputy Superintendent of police rank officer.
Shortly after the culmination of wreath laying ceremony here in Police Control Srinagar, Jammu Kashmir Police Chief Dr SP Vaid said that two persons have been arrested while third one has been identified.
The lynching incident occurred on the night of Shab-e-Qadar (the night of power) when people were busy in offering prayers in the grand mosque.
“Invetsigation is going on but initial reports suggest that some miscreants who were shouting slogans caught hold of DySP Ayoub Pandit while he was coming out of the mosque after inspecting access control. They started beating and lynched him,” said Vaid.
When asked about the firearm injuries to three civilians, Vaid said that the officer had a pistol on him. “He had the right to self-defence,” said Vaid.
Vaid while terming the incident unfortunate and sad said that the official was killed by the mob while he was performing his duties. It’s a very sad and unfortunate incident,” the DGP said.
The lynching incident has come to a shock for many in Kashmir Valley. Besides mainstream politicians, some of the separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Aga Hasan Almosvi Alsafvi termed the incident unfortunate.
