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DSP Ayub Pandith lynching: Main accused killed in encounter, 20 other arrested, informs IG Kashmir

Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sajid Ahmad Gilkar, who played a key role in instigating the mob to lynch DSP Ayub Pandith, was killed by security forces in Budgam district on July 12, the Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed on Monday.

DSP Ayub Pandith lynching: Main accused killed in encounter, 20 other arrested, informs IG Kashmir

Srinagar: Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sajid Ahmad Gilkar, who played a key role in instigating the mob to lynch DSP Ayub Pandith, was killed by security forces in Budgam district on July 12, the Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed on Monday.

Addressing a press conference, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muneer Khan confirmed that 20 persons have been arrested in connection with Pandith lynching case.

The IG said that during the investigation, the police found that four miscreants, including Gilkar, played a major role in instigating the mob against Pandith.

"There was a gruesome incident that took place on June 22 where our Security Wing of Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy SP Ayub Pandit was lynched near Jamia Masjid, Srinagar. It was a serious incident and first of its kind that has happened in the valley. The police found that four miscreants, including terrorist Sajid Ahmad Gilkar, played a major role in instigating the mob against Pandith," Khan said.

Divulging details about the horrific lynching incident, the IG said, that when the crowd was coming out of the Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area, many were raising slogans in favour of former Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zakir Musa, and some were preparing to welcome separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

“This is when Gilkar played a big role in instigating the mob against DSP Ayub Pandith,” Khan added.

Speaking on the investigation which is underway and about progress in the matter, Khan also said the probe is absolutely in the right direction and will be resolved soon."While being lynched the DSP had fought in self defence and had also fired three bullets to miscreants below the waist line. The investigation is still on absolutely in the right manner. Some more accused are to be arrested and will be brought out in the due course of time. We are hopeful; to complete the investigation soon," the Inspector General of Police said

A mob lynched the senior police officer in Srinagar on June 22, triggering outrage and forcing chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to dub the crime a "murder of trust".

DSP Pandith was stripped and stoned to death by a mob outside the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of downtown Srinagar on June 22.

The battered body of deputy superintendent Mohammad Ayub Pandit was recovered outside the Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of the Old City.

Gilkar was involved in grenade attacks on the CRPF at Nowhatta on April 22, Khanyar police party on April 30 and SafaKadal CRPF camp on June 21.

Security forces shot dead three militants - Gilkar and his associates Aaqib Gul and Javaid Ahmad Shiekh - in J&K's Budgam district.