Cases Against 20 Accused in Leh Violence Withdrawn
Decision follows police review as administration seeks to promote peace and social harmony
Srinagar: Ahead of the first anniversary of the violent unrest in Leh that claimed at least four lives, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 people.
An official statement issued in Leh described the decision as a significant step towards fostering peace, public tranquillity and social harmony in Ladakh. “He has approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals related to the unfortunate 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 The cases have been withdrawn under Section 360 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, on the recommendation of the Ladakh Police following a comprehensive review of the status of the investigations,” the statement said.
Leh witnessed severe unrest on September 24 last year, prompting police to register several cases of rioting and arson. Of the 87 accused identified in the rioting cases, 81 were arrested and criminal proceedings were initiated against them. After reviewing the cases, the Ladakh Police recommended the formal withdrawal of charges against 20 accused named in FIR No. 144/2005, registered at Police Station Leh. The proposal was sent to the Lt. Governor, who approved it on Wednesday in the “larger interest of peace and public tranquillity.”
The Lt. Governor said the decision would enable the 20 individuals, now discharged of the criminal charges, to move forward positively with their lives and careers. “By prioritising justice and healing over protracted litigation, the decision aims at fostering a more peaceful, united and harmonious society in Ladakh. I extend my sincere gratitude to Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, for his constant guidance and sympathetic approach in matters pertaining to the victims and their families,” Saxena said.
The development comes days after the Lt. Governor sanctioned compensation on September 13 of Rs 15 lakh for the next of kin of each of the four people killed in the September 24 violence. He also approved ex-gratia assistance of Rs 3 lakh for those who suffered major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries, reaffirming the Administration’s solidarity with the victims and their families as they recover and cope with their loss.
