Srinagar | : Ganderbal Police have confirmed that the death of 22-year-old Ajaz Ahmed Rather, initially suspected to be a drowning in the Power Canal at Kangan, was a premeditated murder carried out by his friends.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal on Wednesday said that Ajaz, son of Ghulam Muhammad Rather of Sultan Colony Kangan, was strangulated before his body was disposed of in the canal. The discovery followed hours of rescue operations and intensive investigation.
According to SSP Poswal, Ajaz had been playing cricket with acquaintances Niyazul Haq and Moieen when tensions escalated. “The accused purchased a wire, captured on CCTV, and used it to strangle Ajaz before dumping his body in the Power Canal,” he said.
The wire used in the crime was recovered, and strangulation marks on the victim’s neck confirmed deliberate killing. A close friend of the deceased provided a crucial eyewitness account, aiding the investigation.
The body was retrieved after a 12-hour operation by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police teams. The incident has left the local community shocked, with crowds gathering near the canal during the recovery.
Police have registered FIR No. 64/2025, U/S 103(1) BNS at PS Kangan. Both accused are in custody, and investigators are reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the crime.
Calling the case a “wake-up call”, SSP Poswal urged parents and society to monitor youth behaviour closely. “It is unfortunate that youths have gone to such an extent. We appeal to parents and society to guide their children on the right path,” he said. “The case is being handled with utmost seriousness, and we will leave no stone unturned to bring the culprits to justice,” SSP Poswal added.
