The Jammu and Kashmir police has set up a special investigation team to probe the lynching of deputy superintendent of police Mohammad Ayub Pandith. The authorities also removed Sajad Khaliq, the superintendent of police in-charge of the area where the incident happened.
He has been replaced by additional superintendent traffic police Sajad Shah. The SIT was formed a day after Khaliq was removed with immediate effect and asked to report to the police headquarters.
Sources said the police is building a strong case against the accused and hope to fast track the trial to restore their morale, which has taken a hit after the incident.
Five people, including three who were injured in the firing by Pandith, have been arrested so far, while 12 others have been identified as having been part of the mob that attacked the officer outside Jamia Masjid last week. The three, who were injured after Pandith fired a few rounds in a desperate bid to fend off the attackers, were arrested from the hospital.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, who visited the family of the deceased officer, promised all possible support for the investigation.
Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also sent a delegation to the residence of Pandith for condolence. However, Mirwaiz, who had earlier condemned the killing, said extreme measures by the state had led to such a reaction.
Pandith was assaulted by a mob outside the Jamia Masjid where Mirwaiz leads prayers on Fridays and on Eid. The police officer was attacked by the mob after they accused him of being a secret government agent on some mission.
The mob later dumped the officer's body in a drain outside the mosque. He was mauled beyond recognition so much so that neither his family nor his colleagues could identify his picture that was circulated on WhatsApp.
He is survived by a 22-year son Danish Ayub Pandith, and a 20-year daughter who is a medical student in Bangladesh.
Pandith's murder has been widely condemned and invited criticism from various sections of the society. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said it was “the murder of trust” and warned “not to test the patience of police.” Former state chief minister Omar Abdullah said those who killed Pandith should burn in hell.
