Former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa, ex-minister Razia Sultan booked after son's death

(From left) Aqil Akhtar, 35, who died in Haryana's Panchkula on October 16, and his parents, former minister Razia Sultana and ex-DGP Mohammad Mustafa. (Image credit: X)

Punjab's former director general of police (DGP) Mohammad Mustafa, his wife Razia Sultana, a former minister from the state, are among four who have been booked by Haryana Police in connection with the death of their son.

The FIR has been lodged under Sections 103 (1) and 61, which deal with murder and criminal conspiracy charges.

Mustafa and former Punjab minister Sultana's c. As per the FIR lodged by a man named Shamshuddin, Akhter died under "suspicious circumstances".

Panchkula police on Tuesday said Mustafa, Sultana, and Akhter's sister have been booked.

According to Panchkula DCP Srishti Gupta, on October 16, Akhtar, a resident of Sector 4, MDC, Panchkula, was found dead at his residence.

The family members informed the police, and their statement was recorded. No foul play was initially suspected, and the body was handed over to the family for last rites after a post-mortem examination, she said.

Subsequently, certain social media posts and videos surfaced, purportedly made by the deceased prior to his death, alleging personal disputes and apprehensions about threats to his life, she said, according to a Haryana Police statement.

"On October 17, a complaint was received from Shri Shamshuddin of Malerkotla, Punjab, alleging foul play in the incident," she said.

The DCP said that in view of the complaint and the contents of the social media posts, "an FIR dated October 20 under Section 103(1), 61 BNS has been registered at Police Station MDC, Panchkula." The DCP further added that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted under the supervision of an ACP-rank officer. The SIT will conduct a deep and scientific probe into all aspects surrounding the case, she said.

"It is reiterated that the investigation shall be conducted with an open mind and without any prejudice, ensuring that no guilty person is spared and no innocent person suffers. The Panchkula Police remains committed to upholding transparency and justice in this matter," the police statement said.

Meanwhile, seeking immediate investigation into the case, the complainant alleged there was "simmering discontent" between the deceased and his family.

The complainant mentioned that the deceased posted a video on social media, wherein he levelled serious allegations pertaining to the family-related matters. He clearly expressed apprehension that his life was in danger, the complainant alleged.