Ex-SC judge to probe NC workers death

The Omar Abdullah government appointed Justice H S Bedi,a former judge of the Supreme Court,as a one-man commission of inquiry

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The Omar Abdullah government on Friday appointed Justice H S Bedi,a former judge of the Supreme Court,as a one-man commission of inquiry,to investigate the death of a National Conference worker under mysterious circumstances in September.

The Commission shall inquire into the causes and circumstances leading to the death of Sayeed Mohammad Yusuf of Loktipora,Bijbehara,and fix responsibility for the lapses,if any committed by any person in discharge of his duties under law,an official spokesman said Friday evening.

The Commission will submit its report to the government within six weeks,the spokesman said.

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Yusuf had died under mysterious circumstances on September 30. He had been summoned by the Chief Minister at his residence after two party leaders complained that he had taken over Rs 1 crore from them for a ministers post and a berth in the State Legislative Council. After being confronted with the complainants,Yusuf agreed to return the money.

However,the Chief Minister handed him over to Inspector General of Police,Crime Branch,for investigations. While being taken to the Crime Branch headquarter in Srinagar,he complained of uneasiness and was taken to the police hospital where he died.

The Chief Minister had announced a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court judge. But with the High Court Chief Justice declining to spare a sitting judge for the probe,Omar wrote to the Union Law Ministry,asking it to suggest a retired Supreme Court judge. Justice Bedis name,sources said,had been suggested by the Union Law Ministry.

Yusufs family members,however,are not satisfied with a judicial probe. They want the matter to be handed over to the CBI.