Panchkula/Chandigarh – In a sensational development, the Panchkula Police has registered a case against former Punjab Director General of Police (Human Rights) Mohammad Mustafa for the alleged murder of his son, Aqil Akhtar, and for criminal conspiracy. The FIR also names Mustafa’s wife and former Punjab minister Razia Sultana, along with their daughter and daughter-in-law, as co-accused in the case.
The case came to light after Shamsuddin, a neighbor of the deceased, filed a detailed complaint with the Panchkula Police Commissioner. He alleged that Aqil’s death was not natural but the result of a premeditated family conspiracy. The complaint further claimed that Aqil’s wife and father shared an illicit relationship, and that Razia Sultana was also complicit in the plot.
FIR Filed Under New BNS Provisions
Based on Shamsuddin’s complaint, an FIR has been registered at the Mansa Devi Police Station under Sections 103(1) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police officials described the charges as “extremely serious,” adding that the investigation would be scientific, evidence-driven, and impartial.
Death Under Suspicious Circumstances
On the night of October 16, Aqil Akhtar was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence in Panchkula. While the family claimed that he died of a drug overdose, investigators have found evidence that challenges this narrative.
A key piece of evidence is a video dated August 27, in which Aqil can be seen stating that his family was plotting his murder. In the same recording, he alleged that his father and wife shared an improper relationship. The video has since become a central piece of evidence in the ongoing probe.
SIT Formed for Transparent and Scientific Investigation
To ensure transparency and avoid conflict of interest, Panchkula Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an ACP-rank officer.
The SIT has been tasked with collecting and analyzing digital evidence, bank transactions, CCTV footage, call detail records (CDRs), and statements from family members, domestic staff, and other witnesses.
A senior officer involved in the probe said:
“The investigation will be purely scientific and transparent. No influential person will be spared, and no innocent individual will be harassed.”
The police have also urged the public to avoid speculation and rumors, assuring that the case will be handled with “utmost fairness and integrity.”
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Key Leads and Forensic Examination
According to sources, the SIT has begun scrutinizing bank transactions, mobile data, social media messages, and medical reports to determine whether Aqil’s death resulted from an overdose, poisoning, or other external causes.
Forensic teams have seized mobile phones, laptops, and camera devices from the victim’s residence. These digital devices are undergoing cyber-forensic analysis to trace possible evidence of conspiracy or foul play.
Officials emphasized that while the investigation may take time, the final report will be based solely on forensic and documentary proof.
Background and Political Impact
Mohammad Mustafa, a 1985-batch IPS officer, previously served as DGP (Human Rights) before retiring from service. His wife, Razia Sultana, has served as a cabinet minister in the Punjab government.
The case has triggered shockwaves across political and social circles, given the family’s prominence and the grave nature of the allegations. Legal experts have described the case as “a critical test of the criminal justice system’s impartiality and credibility.”
Expert Opinion: Digital Evidence Could Be Decisive
Cyber forensic experts believe that digital evidence may hold the key to solving the case.
“In such cases, electronic evidence — such as videos, mobile chats, emails, and bank transactions — often determine the direction of the investigation. If the video evidence is authenticated, it could have a decisive impact in court,” said a senior cyber crime analyst.
He further cautioned that:
“The police must ensure the integrity of the electronic chain of custody so that all evidence remains admissible in court.”
Conclusion
As the SIT delves deeper into every dimension — from family discord and financial dealings to forensic and digital trails — this case stands out as more than a family tragedy. It has become a litmus test for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in India’s justice system.
