Panchkula: In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through Punjab and Haryana, the Haryana Police have registered an FIR against former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa, his wife Razia Sultana, and three other family members in connection with the suspicious death of their son, Aqil Akhtar.
The case, now being probed as a potential murder and criminal conspiracy, has prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a thorough and scientific inquiry.
FIR Filed After Complaint from Neighbour
The FIR was registered at Mansa Devi Complex (MDC) Police Station in Panchkula on October 20, following a complaint by Shamshudeen Chaudhary, a neighbour of the deceased and a resident of Malerkotla, Punjab.
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The complaint was based on alarming social media posts and a video uploaded by Aqil on August 27, in which he accused his father of illicit relations with his wife and alleged that his entire family—father, mother, sister, and wife—were conspiring to kill him or falsely implicate him.
Allegations of Mental Harassment and Threats
In the purported video, Aqil can be heard expressing mental trauma, emotional distress, and fear for his life. He claimed that his family members often dismissed his concerns as hallucinations and were trying to create a false narrative to discredit him.
“I feel they will frame me in a false case… Their plan is to have me falsely imprisoned or even killed,” Aqil had said in the video. “They are trying to establish a false narrative… I am not delusional,” he added.
Aqil’s Death Initially Treated as Overdose
Aqil Akhtar, a resident of Sector 4 in Panchkula, was found dead at his home on October 16. Police were informed by the family, and his post-mortem was conducted, after which the body was handed over for last rites. At the time, no foul play was suspected, and his death was tentatively attributed to a drug overdose.
However, after Shamshudeen submitted the complaint and Aqil’s videos and social media posts gained attention, a new direction in the investigation was pursued.
Police Response and Formation of SIT
Speaking to the media, Panchkula DCP Srishti Gupta confirmed that based on the complaint and the digital evidence, a formal FIR was filed under Section 103(1) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on October 20.
“To ensure an impartial, evidence-based, and transparent investigation, a Special Investigation Team under the supervision of an ACP-rank officer has been constituted,” said DCP Gupta.
She further assured that the police are keeping an open mind and will ensure that “no guilty person is spared and no innocent person suffers.”
High-Profile Family Under Scrutiny
This case draws heightened attention due to the stature of the individuals involved. Mohammad Mustafa is a former Director General of Police (Human Rights) for Punjab, and his wife, Razia Sultana, is a former PWD minister and a known political figure.
The inclusion of their daughter and daughter-in-law in the list of accused adds complexity to what is becoming one of the most high-profile and sensitive investigations in recent memory.
Public, Legal, and Political Implications
The development has led to significant public interest, given the high-ranking bureaucratic and political background of the accused. Legal experts suggest that the videos posted by Aqil prior to his death could play a critical role in determining the direction of the investigation, particularly regarding the motive and mental state of the deceased.
Police say the SIT will examine all digital, forensic, and circumstantial evidence, including phone records, testimonies, and psychological evaluations if necessary.
What Happens Next?
The SIT is expected to begin detailed questioning of the accused and others close to the family. The police have also urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the investigative process to unfold without interference.
