Deaf man shot to death by Army guards in India

From Merinews in India:

Even as the new Chief Minister of the state, Omar Abdullah, took over charge of the new coalition government, the killing of a deaf and dumb civilian by army guards near the CM’s residence has raised questions in many quarters. The army authorities, however, have assured a high level inquiry into the incident.

A deaf and dumb person, Abdul Rasheed Reshi (35), of Pahalgam was shot dead by the army guards. Reshi allegedly tried to intrude the high-security army premises at Gupkar, which is a few hundred metres from Omar’s residence.

Army sources said that the deceased person tried to enter the residential complex, scaling the rear boundary wall at around 10 pm on Tuesday. “He was shot dead when despite the repeated warnings by army guards, he had intruded the premises of 31-sub area commander, late Tuesday,” army spokesman said.

“A high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident by the army,” he added.

“The intruder despite being repeatedly challenged by the sentries continued his run towards the residential quarter, upon which the guards opened fire causing his death,” the spokesman said, adding the body was handed over to the police.

While Reshi’s intention was not clear at this juncture, “the possibility of his carrying out reconnaissance with the aim of launching a ’Fidayeen’ (suicide) attack at a later date cannot be ruled out,” the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, police said preliminary investigations revealed that Reshi was deaf and dumb and had come to Gupkar to meet his relative putting up at a hotel there. However, it was being ascertained why he intruded the sub-area complex, the police said. A case has been registered and further investigations were on, the police added.