Srinagar: Aadil Mushtaq, a Deputy Superintendent of Jammu and Kashmir Police (DSP), has been suspended by the home department amidst allegations of aiding terrorists, corruption, and evidence tampering. His arrest took place on September 21st following a search operation at his residence in Srinagar.
The suspension order, issued by the J&K administration, invoked Rule 31(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956. It stated that DSP Aadil Mushtaq was deemed to have been placed under suspension from the date of his arrest in a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code at Nowgam police station. Aadil Mushtaq has been accused of accepting a bribe of Rs 2.7 lakh to assist Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists Umer Adil Dar and Muzamil Zahoor. This allegation surfaced after the surveillance on the two terrorists led to the discovery of terror funds worth Rs 32 lakh in February of this year, resulting in Aadil's arrest.
Furthermore, Aadil allegedly misused his official position for sexual gratification and engaged in blackmail by threatening victims with objectionable videos. He is also accused of misappropriating government property and engaging in corruption and extortion to sustain a lavish lifestyle. The allegations against Aadil are based on technical surveillance spanning approximately six months. Reports describe him as an individual who initially joined the Kashmir Police Service but was eventually consumed by greed and a desire for an opulent lifestyle. During his tenure as a DSP in the traffic department, Aadil is believed to have fabricated charges of traffic violations, compelling young men and affluent women to appear before him.
It is reported that Aadil lured and threatened young women, taking them to a room he had reserved at the tourist reception centre (TRC) in Srinagar, where he allegedly sexually exploited them. He is said to have blackmailed his victims with video recordings and threats, claiming to have influential connections and a lengthy remaining tenure to pursue them. Many victims did not report the alleged crimes out of fear. In a bid to evade arrest on September 21st, Aadil attempted to escape by scaling a wall when police arrived. However, his arrest led to the recovery of several videos from his devices and information regarding his victims. Some victims have corroborated the allegations, with one individual claiming to have been severely injured during a sexual assault.
Additional charges against Aadil include the theft of 200 livestock, the misappropriation of four tents, and 16 sleeping bags and carry-bags from the J&K tourism department office in September 2022, which were never returned. There is also an allegation that a hotel owner purchased an expensive luxury item for Aadil from Tata Clique, with the receipt being retrieved.
Authorities are investigating whether Aadil misused his position as the officer in charge of security at the Srinagar airport. He had initially taken charge of the investigation into the LeT terror module case under UAPA but was later reassigned. When terrorist Muzamil Zahoor sought Aadil's help once more, Aadil purportedly enlisted his subordinates to fabricate false statements in the case.
Additionally, Aadil had significant connections with a section of the media in Delhi and maintained longstanding relationships with respected officers within the Jammu and Kashmir Police Department. He hails from an influential family, with his brother being a Young Congress leader in Baramulla.
Aadil Mushtaq is the son-in-law of a former district and sessions judge who joined Farooq Abdullah's National Conference (NC) in pursuit of a party ticket from a South Kashmir constituency in the upcoming elections. Alongside Aadil Mushtaq, Budgam Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Gowhar Ahmad Khan has also been suspended pending an inquiry into his conduct.
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