Jammu, January 23, (Scoop News)_Consequent to Central Bureau of Invetigation (CBI) investigation and the direction by the country’s apex court in March 2012, the Army had taken over the alleged Pathribal case from the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar in June 2012
According to a media statement issued on Thursday, a comprehensive and exhaustive effort was undertaken to record evidence against all the accused persons. Over 50 witnesses have been examined including a large number of civilian witnesses, state government and police officials.
Forensic, documentary and other relevant evidence has also been taken on record. For the convenience of the next of kin of the deceased persons and other civilian witnesses, the team recording the evidence moved to the valley to record their statements, it added.
Considerable help was provided by the local civil administration. The evidence recorded could not establish a prime facie case against any of the accused persons, but clearly established that it was a joint operation by the police and the army based on specific intelligence.
The case has since been closed by the army authorities and intimation given to Hon’ble Court of Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar.
It may be recalled, the Army had earlier in the alleged Machhil case ordered Court Martial against six accused army personnel and the Court Martial proceeding are currently in progress.
The statement further said the Army is very sensitive to all allegations of human rights and makes sure that due process of law is followed and action taken against the accused persons.
The same was reiterated by the Army Commander during his media interaction on the occasion of Army Day at Akhnoor on January 15.
The statement said as many as 123 army personnels were found guilty in 59 cases of Human Rights violations have been punished by the Army in the state.
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