Srinagar: Police SIT gives clean chit to security forces in Hyderpora encounter

The Special Investigation Team of Jammu and Kashmir Police has given a clean chit to security forces in a controversial encounter in Srinagar's Hyderpora area.

A Pakistani terrorist and three other persons were killed in Hyderpora on November 15 and police claimed that all the slain men had links to militancy. The families of the three had, however, claimed that they were innocent and were used as a human shield by the Army.

Also watch | J&K: Bodies of 2 civilians killed in Hyderpora encounter exhumed, given to families

The SIT has said that while one civilian was killed by a foreign terrorist, the owner of the building and a local militant died in "crossfire" after being used as a human shield by the hiding terrorists.

Dr Mudasir Gul, his staff Amir Margay and businessman Altaf Bhat were killed in the encounter at the building owned by Bhatt.

"Perhaps the foreign terrorist received instructions from outside that Dr Mudasir may have been behind the encounter. On this suspicion, he killed Dr Mudasir Gul in the attic," said Mr Kumar.

"After killing Dr Mudasir, they used Altaf Bhat as a human shield while trying to flee. In the ensuing firing, Altaf Bhat was hit by a bullet. His body was found at the terrace with Amir Margay," the SIT chief said.

The police have defended releasing findings of the SIT probe when a magisterial probe ordered by the government has not been made public saying it will not influence the probe by an additional district magistrate.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the SIT probe is a cover-up.

"SIT's clear chit to armed forces in Hyderpora encounter isn't surprising. It was purely a charade to cover up a botched up operation & absolve those culpable for killing innocent civilians. How can one expect justice when they themselves are judge, jury & executioner?" Ms Mehbooba tweeted.