Post by : Rameen Ariff

In an unsettling development, the Haryana Police have initiated legal proceedings against former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa and his spouse, ex-minister Razia Sultana, concerning the untimely demise of their 35-year-old son, Aqil Akhtar. This follows the surfacing of viral social media posts suggesting threats to Aqil's life that have cast a shadow over the family's claims of natural death. What began as a routine inquiry has spiraled into one of the most sensational murder investigations in Punjab in recent history, with an FIR filed under Sections 103(1) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, alleging criminal conspiracy and murder.

Aqil was discovered unresponsive at his residence in Panchkula’s Sector 4 on October 16, later pronounced dead upon arrival at a local medical facility. Initially, the family alleged an overdose; a post-mortem was conducted the following day, and his last rites were observed in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. However, suspicions were raised by his earlier social media activity, leading authorities to reopen investigations for possible foul play.

The situation escalated when a family associate, Shamshudeen Chaudhary, circulated a video from August, wherein Aqil accused his father and wife of infidelity, expressing dread over the situation. “I uncovered my wife’s affair with my father. I’m under immense stress and fear they may set me up for a false charge,” he said. He also stated that his mother and sister were involved in a conspiracy aimed at his unlawful detention or demise.

Aqil communicated distressing instances of being labeled “mentally unstable” and forced into a rehabilitation facility against his wishes, declaring, “This confinement was unjust as I was not under the influence... They threatened me that if I act against them, they would frame me for serious crimes.” Although in subsequent videos he seemed to retract his allegations, attributing them to mental health challenges, his fear remained palpable, questioning, “Will they take my life? They’re all deceitful.”

In a bid for clarity and justice, the Panchkula Police have established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an ACP-rank official for a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry. Deputy Commissioner Srishti Gupta emphasized, “The SIT will proceed without preconceived notions, ensuring accountability for the guilty while safeguarding the innocent.”

Mohammad Mustafa, who concluded his term as Punjab's DGP in 2021, subsequently joined the Congress party, while Razia Sultana has had a notable political career as a three-time MLA and cabinet minister from 2017 to 2022. This ongoing investigation underscores the complex interplay of social media evidence and personal disputes within prominent families involved in criminal investigations.