Leh: A pall of suspicion has descended over the death of a 22-year-old man in the Choglamsar area of Leh, with the bereaved family alleging homicide and calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to his demise.
Mohd Yasin son of Ibrahim Ali, a native of Bogdang village in the Nubra region, had been residing in Choglamsar, where he was reportedly engaged in contractual work. According to official accounts, he was brought to the SNM Hospital late on April 12 by a woman described as an acquaintance, who informed medical personnel that the youth had attempted suicide. Doctors, however, declared him brought dead on arrival.
The sequence of events has since come under close scrutiny. Police were promptly alerted, and inquest proceedings have been initiated to determine the cause of death and to examine whether any criminality is involved.
Family members of the deceased have rejected the suicide claim outright, alleging that Yaseen had gone to meet the same woman shortly before his death. They have raised serious allegations, asserting that the circumstances point towards a “cold-blooded killing” rather than self-inflicted harm. The family has urged the authorities to register a criminal case and bring those responsible to justice.
Speaking on the matter, Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh, Shri Ram R (IPS), stated that the investigation is presently confined to inquest proceedings under the law governing suspicious deaths. “The body was brought to the hospital by an attendee who reported it as a case of suicide. However, given the nature of the circumstances, an inquest has been initiated. The individual who brought the deceased has been questioned and is cooperating with the investigation,” he said.
He further clarified that the course of legal action would be determined by the findings of the inquest. “Should evidence indicative of foul play emerge, a formal case will be registered under the relevant provisions of criminal law. Conversely, if no such evidence is established, the matter will be closed in accordance with procedure,” the officer added.
The police have assured the family that due diligence is being exercised at every stage and that there will be no procedural lapse. Authorities have also appealed to the public to come forward with any information that may assist in expediting the inquiry.
The case has evoked concern within the local community, as investigators continue to piece together the events preceding the youth’s death, with the post-mortem findings expected to play a decisive role in determining the trajectory of the probe.
