On the 28th anniversary of Mashali Mohalla massacre, the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has sent another reminder to commission secretary home department about “status of prosecution of the involved paramilitary men.”
The directions were passed by the SHRC chairman Justice Bilal Nazki on a petition filed by human rights activist Ahsan Untoo. This is fifth reminder given by SHRC to the state home department.
The HR body has sought action taken report within four weeks.
On 9 August 1990, it was a horrible night for several families of Mashali Mohalla Hawal when BSF men from 75 Battalion allegedly killed nine civilians.
Besides, J K Sharma, then deputy inspector general of BSF 75th battalion, the other BSF personnel accused in the case were deputy commandant R P Bhukal, head constable Gajjan Singh and constable Uttam Singh.
All the four were initially suspended from service and subsequently given “routine” postings.
A court martial was ordered against DIG Sharma but till date nobody knows about the status of that case, sources said.
As per data available, the court of inquiry charged Sharma with “omission of effective command and control over his troops which led to uncontrolled firing which led to the death of civilians.”
The other charges are culpable homicide (not amounting to murder) and causing grievous injuries. Sharma has also been charged with “outraging the modesty of a woman.” The three BSF personnel also face similar charges.
Evidence recorded by the BSF shows that on the fateful night, houses were set on fire, ammunition and arms were “planted” in the homes of the victims.