A Night of Horror: Professor Claims Assault by Soldiers in Rajouri
In a deeply troubling incident from the Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir, a university professor has accused Indian Army personnel of brutally assaulting him during a late-night vehicle check. The man in question, Professor Liaqat Ali, is affiliated with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and was reportedly returning from a family wedding when the alleged attack occurred.
“They Beat Me Without Reason”: Professor’s Emotional Account
According to Professor Ali, the incident took place in Lam, a border village in Rajouri, on Thursday night. While traveling with relatives, he was stopped at a military checkpoint. Ali claims that despite cooperating with the soldiers and stepping out of the car respectfully when asked for ID, he was suddenly attacked.
“They beat me without a single question. One of them struck me on the head with a weapon,” Ali recounted with emotion. “My younger brother was also thrown to the ground. I was bleeding heavily and in shock.”
A video showing Ali with a blood-soaked face and shirt quickly went viral on social media, drawing national attention and public outrage.
Army’s Response: “Neutral and Fair Investigation Underway”
Reacting to the allegations, the Indian Army issued a statement acknowledging the incident and promising a thorough investigation. “Initial inputs indicate the person attempted to snatch a weapon from a soldier, which led to a scuffle,” the Army claimed. However, they also emphasized that a neutral and fair investigation has been ordered.
“If any wrongdoing by Army personnel is found, strict disciplinary action will follow,” the statement added, highlighting the Army’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Medical Evidence and Police Action
Following the alleged assault, Professor Ali was rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, where he received stitches for serious head injuries and underwent other medical tests.
Meanwhile, local police registered an FIR against unidentified soldiers under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 126(2) for unlawful restraint and 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt.
“My Pride in the Army Was Shaken”: Professor’s Heartfelt Words
In a moving social media post, Professor Ali expressed his deep emotional turmoil. “My entire family has served in the Army. I’ve always been proud of that,” he wrote. “But what happened tonight has shaken that pride. I was beaten without any reason, without any question, without justice.”
Ali reflected on the broader implications of such incidents, saying, “If the system wants, it can target anyone—without proof, without trial, without consequence.”
Political Voices Join the Chorus for Justice
The incident has sparked widespread political reaction. Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister and president of PDP, condemned the alleged assault in strong words. “Such individuals tarnish the reputation of a noble institution with their unacceptable and oppressive behavior,” she tweeted, demanding immediate action.
BJP leader Ravinder Raina also responded, assuring the public that justice will be served. “In this country, the rule of law is supreme. No one is above the law. If any Army personnel are found guilty, they will face the consequences,” he stated.
Not an Isolated Incident?
The timing of the incident, during a routine vehicle check, has raised broader concerns about military-civilian interactions in sensitive border regions. While the Army plays a crucial role in national defense, especially in conflict-prone areas like Rajouri, the need for discipline, sensitivity, and accountability remains paramount.
A Plea for Justice and Change
As of now, the case is under investigation. Professor Ali, though wounded and emotionally shaken, has one request: justice. “I respect the Army. It’s the pride of our nation. But what happened to me should not happen to anyone else,” he said.
The incident stands as a grim reminder of the delicate balance between security and civil rights in high-tension zones like Jammu & Kashmir. For now, the nation watches, waiting to see whether accountability will be upheld—or if this will become yet another case lost in silence.
