Rivalry Angle, Pellets Emerge in Inquest Probe
Deceased was affiliated with NC after retirement: Sources
Suhail Khan
Baramulla Dec 24: The inquiry into the killing of former senior police officer Mohammad Shafi Mir in Baramulla district has pivoted in a different direction as authorities are now exploring multiple angles, including the potential involvement of rivalry.
A top official source revealed to Kashmir Despatch that Mir met his demise on Sunday morning at the local mosque in Gantmulla village of north Kashmir’s Baramulla.
The top official said that while initial suspicions pointed towards terrorist involvement, the police are now meticulously examining all possible aspects, particularly focusing on the specter of rivalry.
Mir, a former senior superintendent of police, fell victim to a point-blank shooting, the assailant employing a 12-bore rifle, and the crime scene indicated the presence of pellets.
“The perpetrator shattered a windowpane near the staircase where Mir was engaged in call for prayers. The investigative officers have got the details of the incident,” the official added.
Mir was swiftly transported to a nearby healthcare facility, where medical professionals pronounced him dead.
Although early information hinted at a terrorist attack, the choice of weapon has prompted investigators to consider alternative scenarios.
A high-ranking police official assured that a comprehensive investigation is in progress, with all pertinent details to be disclosed to the public upon its completion.
Meanwhile, official sources also revealed that the dead body of a retired police officer was brought to the mortuary of GMC Baramulla-associated hospital at around 8 am by Jammu and Kashmir Police.
“X-ray examinations of the abdomen and chest were conducted. The X-ray of the chest revealed multiple injuries not consistent with bullet wounds, while the X-ray of the abdomen showed no abnormalities,” he added.
He further said that the dental examination was also performed as per protocol, and the clothing was handed over to the police.
“Upon conducting the post-mortem examination, initial findings indicate that four pellets were extracted. Out of these, three pellets were recovered subcutaneously on the left side of the chest, and one pellet was found below the sternum.”
“The pellets caused tearing in the left lung and left ventricle of the heart, resulting in massive hemothorax,” the official sources added.
The killing of a former SSP sent shock waves across the area with relatives asking for a fair and speedy probe into the case.
Highly placed sources also revealed that former SSP Mir was associated with mainstream political party National Conference after his retirement for the services.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
