Raja Syed Rather
Kangan, Sep 24: Police on Wednesday confirmed that the death of a youth in Ganderbal’s Power Canal, initially believed to be a case of drowning, was a pre-planned murder carried out by his friends.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, said the deceased, 22-year-old Ajaz Ahmed Rather, son of Ghulam Muhammad Rather of Sultan Colony, Kangan, was strangulated with a wire before his body was dumped into the canal.
He said a massive rescue operation was launched by Ganderbal Police, SDRF, NDRF, and local volunteers. Teams from Ganderbal and Gund worked nearly 12 hours before retrieving the body. Strangulation marks were found on Ajaz’s neck, confirming foul play.
“CCTV footage shows the accused purchasing a wire used in the crime. He was called to the spot on Tuesday evening and strangulated. The wire has been recovered, and both accused are in custody,” the SSP told reporters, adding that a murder case has been registered, and further investigation is underway using scientific and forensic methods.
According to police, Ajaz had been playing cricket with two acquaintances, identified as Neyaz Ahmad and Muteen, when tensions escalated. The duo allegedly strangulated him with the wire and threw his body into the Power Canal. While the final cause of death will be established through post-mortem, prima facie evidence points to strangulation.
The incident sparked protests in Kangan, with local women taking to the streets demanding justice. Police assured residents that strict action will be taken against those involved. Additional security forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.
In a statement, Ganderbal Police described the arrests as a “major breakthrough”, stating: “After strenuous efforts, the body of the deceased was recovered from the canal, and accordingly, case FIR No. 64/2025 U/S 103 (1) BNS stands registered at Police Station Kangan. After medico-legal formalities, the body was handed over to the family for the last rites.”
“During preliminary investigation, a wire used in the commission of the crime was recovered. Significantly, one of the close friends of the deceased has emerged as the prime eyewitness, whose statement has proven vital in cracking the case,” the statement said.
