Has Mehbooba Mufti Warned Against 'High-Handedness' in the Delhi Terror Investigation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mehbooba Mufti cautions against excessive police force.
- Tragic incident involving a father highlights community distress.
- Recent terror blast investigation leads to multiple arrests.
- Importance of balancing law enforcement and compassion.
- Potential long-term implications for community relations.
Srinagar, Nov 16 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, issued a warning to officials on the dangers of 'high-handedness' during their investigation into a white-collar terror network. She referenced the tragic case of a father who attempted self-immolation following the detention of his two sons by police in Kulgam district.
In her post on X, Mufti stated, “Bilal Wani, a distraught father from Wanpora Qazigund, set himself on fire after his son Jasir Bilal and brother Naveel Wani were taken into custody by the police recently. In a state of panic over their safety, he implored the authorities for a glimpse of them, a request that was refused. He has been admitted to SMHS Srinagar and is in critical condition. Such levels of high-handedness only exacerbate wounds and foster despair. When young men are apprehended arbitrarily, we jeopardize an entire generation, instilling fear, frustration, and potentially leading them down darker paths.”
She further urged the @JmuKmrPolice to allow him to visit the detained individuals.
Mufti also shared an image of the individual receiving treatment at a hospital in Srinagar, showcasing burn injuries.
In the aftermath of the November 10 Red Fort terror blast that claimed 12 lives due to an explosion from an i20 car at a traffic intersection, police have detained numerous individuals for questioning. The driver, Dr. Umar Nabi, had managed to avoid arrest after the J&K Police and Haryana Police captured his associate, Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, in Faridabad. During the raid at Dr. Ganaie's rented premises, roughly 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate, trigger mechanisms, and other crucial evidence were discovered.
Earlier, authorities apprehended Dr. Adil Rather from Kulgam's Qazigund area after seizing an AK-47 rifle from his locker at the Government Medical College in Anantnag.
Dr. Adil had departed from his position at the medical college in October 2024 and subsequently enrolled at Al-Falah University in Faridabad.
His brother, Dr. Muzaffar Ali Rather, is also suspected to be linked to the Faridabad terror cell and fled to Dubai in August 2025.
The J&K Police have sought a red corner notice from Interpol for Dr. Muzaffar Ali.
Additionally, a female physician, Shaheen Shahid from Lucknow, working at Al-Falah University, was arrested after an assault rifle was found in her vehicle. The police allege her involvement in the white-collar terror network dismantled in Faridabad.
It is noteworthy that Bilal Wani, who attempted self-immolation following the detention of his sons, hails from the Qazigund region, which is also the hometown of Dr. Adil Rather and Dr. Muzaffar Ali.