LEH: In a positive development into the inquiry probing facts and figures that led to September 24 violence in Leh, Inquiry Commission, under the chairmanship of Justice Dr B. S. Chauhan, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of Indiawill commence recording oral statements from Friday.
The Commission has already collected and examined the written proceedings and statements submitted earlier as part of the preliminary process. In continuation of the inquiry, the Commission will commence recording oral statements from 19 December.
Following the incident that occurred on 24th September, an Inquiry Commission has been constituted under the chairmanship of Justice Dr B. S. Chauhan, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the matter.
Officials and officers who were assigned duties on the day of the incident will be called upon to appear before the Commission and record their statements.
In addition, individuals who have already submitted their written statements will be requested to present themselves before the Commission to give their oral testimony in person before Justice Dr B. S. Chauhan.
The inquiry aims to establish a clear and factual understanding of the events surrounding the incident and ensure transparency, accountability, and due process.
In September 24 violence in Leh, four residents were killed and several others were injured including police personnel. Later, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an order for a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence, meeting the long-standing demand of the people for justice and transparency.
Pertinent to mention here that again and again, Judicial Inquiry Commission probing September 24 violence has reaffirmed protection for witnesses and complainants.
In this regard, the Judicial Inquiry Commission convened a press briefing. During the briefing, Secretary Spalgon said that, anyone whether a government official, a private individual, or a member of any organisation who intimidates, threatens, or harasses someone to stop them from giving information or taking part freely in the inquiry will face legal action.
He further stated that any witness or complainant subjected to such intimidation has the formal right to lodge a complaint or grievance, which may be submitted directly to the Inquiry Commission.
To ensure the safety and confidence of witnesses and complainants, the Joint Secretary assured that all such complaints will be treated with utmost confidentiality and dealt with promptly, strictly in accordance with the law.
Earlier, also the Inquiry Commission headed by Justice (Retd) Dr. B.S. Chauhan, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, had issued a stern public notice warning of ‘appropriate legal action’ against any individual or entity that attempts to intimidate, coerce, threaten, harass, or otherwise obstruct witnesses or persons possessing relevant information.
According to a public notification issued from Melongthang Leh by Justice Dr. B.S. Chauhan, “Any person who, whether acting in an official capacity as a functionary of the Government or in a private, individual capacity, or any organization-governmental, semi-governmental, non-governmental, or individuals engages in acts of intimidation, coercion, threat, inducement, harassment, or any other form of interference intended to prevent, deter, obstruct, or hinder any person acquainted with the subject matter of inquiry or having any material relating to the incident from appearing, deposing, tendering evidence, or otherwise participating freely and without apprehension in the proceedings before the Inquiry Commission, shall be liable for appropriate legal action.”
