Srinagar, April 2: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor on Friday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of a man, whom army says was a terrorist and killed in an encounter at Arhama, Ganderbal on April 1.

A family from Chuntwaliwar Lar in Ganderbal yesterday contested the official version and identified the deceased as 28-year–old Raashid Ahmad Mughal.
The family claimed that the Raashid was an innocent civilian and not remotely connected to militancy.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha today announced that he has ordered a thorough and impartial magisterial inquiry into the Arhama, Ganderbal incident.
"The inquiry will examine all aspects related to the incident and ensure that justice is served," his office posted on X.
According to an order issued by the Home Department, District Magistrate Ganderbal has been directed to conduct a thorough and impartial probe into the incident that took place on April 1,
The order said that the inquiry would ascertain the facts and circumstances leading to the death. Authorities have been asked to complete the probe within seven days and submit the report to the Home Department.
On Wednesday morning, Army in a post on X said a terrorist was killed during a joint operation with the J&K Police in the Arhama area of Ganderbal district.
However, the family of the deceased contested the claim, stating that the deceased had no links to militancy. Hours later, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for a "transparent and time-bound probe" into the incident.
The political parties have welcomed the ordering of magisterial inquiry into the killing by Lt Governor.
BJP media in-charge for Kashmir, Advocate Sajid Yousuf Shah welcomed the LG’s decision to order a magisterial inquiry into the Arhama Ganderbal encounter, calling it a "constructive and necessary step."
He emphasised that the probe must be conducted in a "fair, transparent, and time-bound manner. “Ensuring accountability and upholding justice in the case would be crucial for strengthening public trust and reaffirming confidence in the due process of law,” he said.
Several other political leaders also welcomed the magisterial inquiry ordered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha into the Ganderbal encounter, expressing hope that the probe will ensure justice and accountability.