A young man from the Gujjar community was killed in an alleged police encounter in Flying Mandal, Jammu, on July 24, 2025, prompting widespread protests and accusations of extrajudicial killing. The police claim the deceased was involved in drug-related activities, but his family and community vehemently deny these allegations, asserting that he had no criminal record and labeling the incident as a deliberate murder.
According to police reports, the encounter occurred during a late-night operation targeting suspected drug peddlers in the area. Authorities state that the man, whose identity has not been officially disclosed, was killed in crossfire after police pursued suspects in Flying Mandal. A senior police official claimed, “The individual was linked to drug peddling, and the operation was based on credible intelligence. When confronted, he resisted, leading to an exchange of fire.”
However, the family of the deceased, supported by local residents and community leaders, disputes this narrative. They allege that the man, a resident of the area, was an innocent civilian with no history of criminal activity. “He was never involved in drug peddling. There isn’t a single FIR against him,” a family member told local media, visibly distraught. They claim he was deliberately targeted and killed without provocation, describing the encounter as a “cold-blooded murder.”
On July 24, 2025, family members and supporters gathered outside the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu, staging a protest to demand justice. Demonstrators blocked roads, chanting slogans against the police and calling for an independent judicial inquiry. “This is a systemic assault on marginalized communities like ours,” said a protester, echoing sentiments shared on social media platforms. Posts on X from July 24-25, 2025, reflect growing outrage, with users condemning the incident as a “fake encounter” and urging authorities, including the Lieutenant Governor’s office and local leaders, to investigate.
Community leaders have also raised concerns about the broader implications of such incidents. “The Gujjar community is often unfairly targeted. This is not just a killing; it’s an attack on our dignity,” said a prominent member of the community, who requested anonymity for safety reasons. They argue that even if drug-related allegations were true, the individual deserved due process, not summary execution.
The incident has drawn attention from political figures, with some calling for accountability. “If someone is suspected of a crime, they should face trial, not a bullet,” tweeted a local leader on July 24, 2025, amplifying calls for transparency. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have not yet released a detailed statement, but sources indicate an internal review may be underway.
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