Leh, September 23: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals in connection with the violence that erupted in Leh on September 24 last year.
The cases have been withdrawn under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, following a recommendation from the Ladakh Police after a detailed review of the investigations.
The September 24 violence had led to cases of rioting and arson being registered in Leh. Police had identified 87 accused, of whom 81 were arrested, and criminal proceedings were subsequently initiated.
Following its review, the Ladakh Police recommended withdrawal of criminal charges against 20 accused in FIR No. 144/2005 registered at Police Station Leh. The proposal was subsequently placed before the Lieutenant Governor, who approved it in the larger interest of peace, public tranquility and social harmony.
LG Saxena said the decision would allow the 20 individuals to move forward with their lives and careers. He said the move was aimed at prioritising justice, healing and reconciliation over prolonged litigation, while contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious society in Ladakh.
The decision comes days after the Lieutenant Governor approved ₹15 lakh compensation for the next of kin of each of the four people who died in the September 24 violence. Compensation of ₹3 lakh for those who suffered major injuries and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries was also sanctioned.
The administration said the measures are aimed at supporting victims and their families and helping the region move forward after the violence.
Individuals Against Whom Cases Were Withdrawn
The cases were withdrawn against the following 20 individuals:
- Mohd Asif, son of Mohd Salim
- Shaziya Parveen, daughter of Ammanullah
- Tsetan Norboo, son of Nima Wangail
- Stanzin Morup, son of Tsewang Phunchok
- Sonam Zangpo, son of Gonbo Dorjey
- Jigmet Thinley, son of Sham Lal
- Shabir Hussain, son of Ahmad Shah
- Sonam Togdan, son of Tashi Norphel
- Urgain Namdol, son of Mepham Phuntsog
- Tsering Gyalson, son of Phunchok Wangyal
- Sonam Gurmet, son of Tashi Tsering
- Zulfikar Ali, son of Mohd Shafi
- Stanzin Chosphel, son of Tsering Stobdan
- Ishey Tsering, son of Tsewang Stanzin
- Rigzin Nurbo, son of Tundup Dorje
- Rinchen Namgyal, son of Dorjey Phunchok
- Jigmat Dorjay, son of Yountan Chosphel (deceased)
- Rinchen Dadul, son of Tsering Morup (deceased)
- Stanzin Namgail, son of Nawang Zotpa (deceased)
- Tsewang Thirchin, son of Stanzin Namgail (deceased)
