Former Punjab DGP Mustafa and wife Razia Sultana booked by CBI in son’s murder case

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The noose is tightening around former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Mohammad Mustafa and his family. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against former DGP Mustafa, his wife (three-time MLA from Malerkotla and former minister) Razia Sultana, his daughter, and daughter-in-law under sections of murder and criminal conspiracy. All of them face serious charges of murdering a man named Aqeel Akhtar. The case was previously under the jurisdiction of the Panchkula Police Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has now handed over the investigation to the CBI.

Akil Akhtar died under suspicious circumstances in Panchkula late on October 16th. The family then claimed that the death was due to a drug overdose. Akil was subsequently cremated in Saharanpur. The case came to a head when a video of the deceased Akil surfaced after the funeral. This video is said to be from August 27th. In this video, Akil Akhtar himself stated that his life was in danger and said that his family members were conspiring to kill him. He also said, "My wife is not married to me, but to my father."

Taking this video as the basis, Shamsuddin, a neighbour of former DGP Mustafa, had lodged a report in the case at Mansa Devi police station, after which the investigation started.

Before the CBI took over the investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Panchkula Police was thoroughly investigating the case. During its investigation, the SIT took several important steps, including recovering crucial evidence such as the deceased Aqeel's two mobile phones, his laptop, and a diary, which have been sent for further investigation. Additionally, the SIT conducted inquiries at the Patiala de-addiction center where Aqeel had been admitted twice and issued summons to the manager. The investigation team conducted a forensic examination of Mohammad Mustafa's bungalow, the crime scene, and recorded statements from Punjab police personnel and other staff members stationed at the bungalow. Based on these evidence and statements, the CBI will now proceed with its investigation into the charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.