Haryana Police Book Former Punjab DGP and Ex-Minister
In a shocking development, Haryana Police have booked former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Mohammad Mustafa and his wife, former Punjab minister Razia Sultana, in connection with the death of their 35-year-old son, Akil Akhter.
The FIR was registered under Sections 103(1) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which correspond to murder and criminal conspiracy, following a complaint filed by Shamshuddin, a resident of Malerkotla, Punjab.
Akhter was found dead under suspicious circumstances at his residence in Sector 4, MDC, Panchkula, on October 16, according to Panchkula DCP Srishti Gupta. Initially, the case was treated as a natural death, but new evidence and social media posts led to a full-fledged criminal investigation.
Initial Reports Showed No Foul Play
DCP Gupta stated that Akhter’s family members had informed the police immediately after discovering his body. “Their statements were recorded, and after a post-mortem examination, the body was handed over for last rites. At that time, no foul play was suspected,” she said in an official statement.
However, the situation changed after social media posts and videos surfaced, allegedly made by the deceased prior to his death. In these videos, Akhter reportedly expressed concerns over personal disputes and claimed that his life was in danger.
Following the emergence of these videos, Shamshuddin filed a complaint on October 17, alleging that Akhter’s death was not natural and that there might have been foul play involved.
FIR Registered; SIT Formed for Scientific Investigation
In response to the complaint and social media evidence, the Panchkula Police registered an FIR on October 20, formally naming Mohammad Mustafa, Razia Sultana, and their daughter among the accused.
DCP Gupta confirmed 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 the circumstances leading to Akhter’s death.
“The investigation will be conducted with an open mind and without any prejudice,” Gupta said, assuring that “no guilty person will be spared and no innocent person will suffer.”
The Haryana Police emphasized that transparency and fairness would be maintained throughout the investigation process, particularly given the high-profile nature of the case.
Complainant Cites Family Disputes, Seeks Fair Inquiry
According to the complaint filed by Shamshuddin, there was “simmering discontent” between Akhter and his family over personal and family-related matters.
He claimed that the deceased had posted a video on social media, where he made serious allegations and voiced fears about his safety. The complainant urged the authorities to take immediate and impartial action to ensure justice.
“Akil Akhter had clearly expressed apprehension that his life was in danger. The authorities should investigate without delay,” the complaint stated.
The police have confirmed that all such digital evidence — including videos and social media messages — will be analyzed as part of the investigation.
Political and Legal Implications
The development has stirred significant attention in both Punjab and Haryana’s political circles, given Mustafa and Sultana’s prominence. Mohammad Mustafa, a senior police officer with decades of service, has held several key positions in Punjab’s law enforcement hierarchy. Razia Sultana, his wife, is a former minister and Congress leader known for her tenure in the state cabinet.
Neither Mustafa nor Sultana has issued an official statement so far. Legal experts believe that the FIR does not confirm guilt, but it signifies that the authorities found prima facie grounds to initiate a deeper investigation.
The case’s sensitivity, involving both a high-ranking former police official and a politician, has placed pressure on the Panchkula Police to handle the matter with utmost care and credibility.
What Lies Ahead
With the SIT investigation underway, authorities are expected to gather forensic evidence, analyze Akhter’s digital records, and re-examine witness statements. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether charges are upheld or withdrawn.
Meanwhile, public sentiment remains mixed — with some calling for restraint and others demanding transparency and accountability.
The case underscores the growing importance of digital evidence in modern investigations, especially when the deceased’s social media activity provides crucial context.