Srinagar: The Indian Army has completed the Summary of Evidence against two of its men involved in Amshipora fake encounter in South Kashmir’s Shopian district in July in which three civilians were killed, PTI reported.
A possible court martial could take place after completion of formalities, officials said.
General Officer in Command 15 Corps, Lieutenant General B S Raju, said the Summary of Evidence has been completed but refused to give away any details of the outcome.
“Yes, the Summary of Evidence has been completed and the army will take next course of action as per the law,” Lt Raju told PTI.
The Army had ordered a Court of Inquiry earlier this year after reports appeared on social media that three youths, labelled as militants, had been gunned down by its personnel.
The Court of Inquiry, which completed its probe earlier in September, had found “prima facie” evidence that troops had “exceeded” powers under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) during the July 18 encounter in which three men were killed. Following this, the Army had initiated disciplinary proceedings.
Officials in know of the development said the two Army personnel may face court martial proceedings for violating the powers vested under the AFSPA, 1990, and not following the Dos and Don’ts of Chief of Army Staff as approved by the Supreme Court.
The officials said the accused personnel may face serious charges under the law.
They also said the role of the three civilians, as well as the person who had allegedly led the Army to the youths in Amshipora in Shopian, needs to be thoroughly examined by the police.
The three civilians killed in Amshipora were Imtiyaz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammed Ibrar, all hailing from Rajouri district. Their identities were subsequently confirmed through a DNA test. The bodies were handed over to their families in Baramulla in October.
The role and antecedents of these three youths are also being investigated “due to lack of clarity on their intent and actions” upon coming to Shopian.
The officials said the Army has been “maintaining high standards of transparency and punishing officials whenever rules are violated”. PTI
