India: Probe into Shopian encounter in final stages: J&K DGP

Indian security forces in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 28 (PTI) The investigation into an alleged fake encounter in Shopian, in which three men from Rajouri district were killed, is in the final stages, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said on Monday.

"The SSP, Shopian is himself monitoring the investigation process and further details about the case will be shared very soon. Our investigations are in the final stage," the DGP told reporters at Awantipora in Pulwama district.

He said both the Army and the police are investigating the case, but refused to share further details.

Security forces had claimed to have killed three militants in an encounter in Shopian's Amshipora on July 18, but three families from Rajouri said the slain men might be their missing members.

DNA tests were conducted and the results, made available after 40 days, showed that the slain men were in fact the missing persons from Rajouri.

The Army, in a statement earlier this month, admitted that the powers vested in the soldiers under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) were "prima facie exceeded" in the Amshipora encounter.