Groups, victims' kin demand CBI inquiry into Aurangabad 'fake' encounter

Fake encounter: Azhar, not Khalil, killed

A high-level probe has been demanded to look into the alleged fake encounter by Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Maharashtra's Aurangabad, in which a person was killed while two others were arrested.

Azhar Qureshi was killed by ATS personnel in the encounter. Confusion began when it was revealed that the youth was not Khalil Khilji, as reported earlier, but Azhar Qureshi.

 It was also found that Azhar, who belonged to Khandwa, had no case against him. Organisations are also urging the State government to order a CBI probe. On March 26, ATS team had gunned down the youth, Azhar Qureshi. 

Two persons Abrar and Shakir alias Khalil were arrested. Later two suspected SIMI activists, Aqueel Khilji and Zafar, were arrested from Buldana also. Lok Vikas Party (LVP) leader Abdul Rauf has urged the Prime Minister to order a CBI probe. 

The LVP members had staged a demonstration, urging the state to initiate a probe. Azhar's father and family members have also asked for a CBI inquiry. Fake encounters are often staged to win accolades.

In several cases it is found that the person, mostly poor, is killed after being dubbed as Naxal or hardcore criminal. The policemen get medals for 'bravery' and this is the lure for staging the encounters.

TIH Bureau