SIA Files Chargesheet Against Mian Qayoom in Babar Qadri Murder Case
Srinagar, Dec 19, KNT: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has submitted a supplementary chargesheet against Mian Abdul Qayoom, a prominent lawyer and former president of the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) Kashmir, in connection with the murder of young lawyer Babar Qadri. The chargesheet was presented before the 3rd Additional Sessions Judge (Special Judge under NIA Act) in Jammu.
Babar Qadri was shot dead at his residence in downtown, Srinagar, on September 24, 2020. The attackers, posing as clients seeking legal assistance, executed the murder in cold blood. Qadri succumbed to his injuries shortly after the shooting, leaving the legal fraternity and the community in shock.
An initial investigation led by SIT under the IGP Kashmir resulted in the arrest of six suspects. However, the case was transferred to the SIA J&K in 2023 for further probing, which unveiled a broader conspiracy. The investigation alleged that Mian Qayoom orchestrated the murder by collaborating with militants from The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy group of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The motive for the crime was linked to Qadri’s outspoken criticism of Mian Qayoom’s leadership.
The chargesheet accuses Mian Qayoom of masterminding the plot, fueled by personal and professional animosity. He allegedly conspired with TRF militants to silence Qadri, who had been an outspoken critic. The legal document details offenses under the IPC and UAPA, including charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, and militancy-related activities.
Mian Qayoom is currently detained in District Jail Amphalla, Jammu. [KNT]
