BSF says its personnel involved in teenager’s killing

A Kashmiri youth shouts slogans during a protest against the killing of a 16-year-old teenager, allegedly by security personnel, in Srinagar on Tuesday. Photo: PTI

The BSF on Wednesday said one of its personnel was “prima facie” involved in the killing of a 16-year-old youth last week, which had sparked major protests in the Kashmir valley, and he has now been handed over to local police.

“There were allegations regarding the killing of a boy on February 5. Our inquiry has revealed that prima facie constable Lakhvinder was involved in the incident,” BSF Special Director General P.P.S. Sidhu told reporters here.

He said as a consequence, the constable has been placed under suspension and handed over to Jammu and Kashmir police, which will carry out further investigations.

Asked when the BSF man killed the youth, Mr. Sidhu said, “I can’t say. It is a matter of investigation. The Jammu and Kashmir Police will do the investigation which will reveal everything“.

Officers in the paramilitary force have termed the killing as an “accident”. The constable has been questioned by senior officials of the force, they said.

The boy was shot dead by security personnel on February 5 at Nishat, triggering huge protests across the Valley.