The Indian Army has initiated an inquiry after Liaqat Ali, a professor at IGNOU, claimed he was assaulted by army personnel during a late-night vehicle check in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district. The incident occurred near the border village of Laam on Thursday, April 18.
Police registered an FIR under Sections 126(2) and 115(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Nowshera police station against unidentified army personnel. The professor, who sustained a head injury requiring stitches, alleged he was beaten without provocation.
Army Issues Statement, Launches Inquiry
In response, the Army stated: “The army had inputs on the likely movement of terrorists in a vehicle in this sensitive area. Preliminary information suggests that on being stopped, the individual tried to snatch weapons from the soldiers, resulting in a scuffle. However, an inquiry has been initiated. Should any personnel be found guilty of misconduct, strict action will be taken.”
They added that the Army remains committed to maintaining professionalism and urged public cooperation for regional security.
Victim and Political Leaders Speak Out
Professor Liaqat Ali, who teaches in Delhi, shared his experience on X: “Without any reason, without any question, I was assaulted — hit on the head with a weapon by the very people I once trusted blindly.” He further questioned, “Has justice now become the privilege of the uniform alone?”
Ali also told reporters, “The army is our country’s pride… I want nobody to be treated like this and justice be given to me.”
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident, urging the Army to take strict action. BJP leader Ravinder Raina assured Ali that justice would prevail, stating, “Law of the land is supreme and nobody in India is above the law.
