Attack on Farooq Abdullah’s House a Concocted Story, Alleges Family of the “Intruder” Shot Dead

"He was a citizen of Jammu and Kashmir, not of Pakistan. He was unarmed. It is a cold-blooded murder," said Majid Shah, brother of the deceased, flanked by relatives on both the sides. On August 4, Syed Murfad Shah, a 25-year-old and a resident of the Chinor, Jammu, left home following his normal routine to supposedly head to the Oasis gym in Parade. Hours later, his dead body was found inside the house of the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah.

Conflicting reports have emerged after the incident. "In a serious security breach, a man forcibly drove into the residence of former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and ransacked the house before being shot dead by CRPF personnel guarding the premises," said the police. 

When heard about the incident, Shah's family reached the spot where they were asked to visit GMC hospital. "Eye witnesses said that our brother had died on the spot, and he was taken to the hospital for post mortem. Without calling the magistrate, they transferred him to GMC," said Majid.

Another narrative by the Murfad's relatives highlights another story. As per the family, Murfad had left home to head to the gym, when he was called by a CRPF officer regarding some gun-licensing issues. They allegedly had a skirmish following which, he was shot and then dragged inside the house and was showcased as an intruder. 

Murfad's family owned a gun shop registered in the name of his mother, Nagina Begum, in Rajouri district, Jammu. 

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has been demanding probe into the matter. "We know that we won't get our brother back, but at least we need to know the culprit. All we need is a CCTV footage and call details. We want proper investigation so the truth is put to the fore," said Shafiya, elder sister of the deceased. 

Was shot in the upper part of the body 

Few hours after the incident, the picture circulated revealed three bullets pumped into the upper body of Murfad. "Three bullets were pumped into his body, including his chest, another in his stomach and third one on the right side of his torso," said Imzad Hussain Shah, father of the deceased. 

It has been revealed that the deceased was unarmed with no weapon. Sources revealed that there was no VVIP presence in the house at the time he was killed. 

"Even SOP says, unless and until there is a fire from one side, you can't retaliate with gun. Even if you do and find it necessary to do, you aim for the lower part of the body. You shoot on the leg," Majid said.

Initially, as the news came out, it was said that a Fidayeen attack has been launched at the former chief minister's residence. "My son has been called a terrorist. A person who launched a Fidayeenattack. My son was a simple gym lover, who had a good social circle, and loved his family," said Imzad. 

I have only one question to ask, said Majid. "If my brother drove into the house, why is the car not damaged? The gate is tall and hard. How can a car dent it?" 

As per the sources, a black Mahindra SUV (JK02BW-0568) has just a dent on the bonnet and the fortified gate of the former Chief Minister has not been damaged.

The family maintains that the dent on the bonnet was already there. 

Why no FIR? 

Former CM Farooq Abdullah has asked Union Minister Rajnath Singh for an impartial inquiry into an alleged security breach at his home. 

While the family has been protesting and demanding probe into the incident, no FIR has been registered until now. 

Meanwhile, PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has spoken to the DG regarding this matter. In her tweet, Mehbooba writes, "The family of the young man who was shot dead by CRPF troopers at the residence of Dr Farooq Abdullah in Bathindi have alleged that their son was killed under mysterious circumstances. It is pertinent to mention here that he was unarmed and was shot for ‘breaching security’."

"Repeated requests to file a FIR have been refused by the police. I have spoken to the DG regarding this matter and asked him to register one so that the law can take its course," her tweet read. 

The family of the deceased maintains that the whole story has been concocted. "We just want an impartial probe into the matter. We want them to register an FIR. Why are they afraid?” asked Majid.