Panchkula (Balwinder Singh): The investigation into the death of Aqil Akhtar, son of former Punjab DGP (Human Rights) Mohammad Mustafa and ex-cabinet minister Razia Sultana, remains inconclusive as the autopsy failed to establish the cause of death. The police are now awaiting the viscera analysis, which is expected to provide clarity on what led to the 35-year-old’s demise.
According to officials, the viscera samples have been dispatched for chemical testing, and results are awaited to confirm or rule out any possibility of poisoning or drug overdose. Investigators noted the presence of a syringe mark on Aqil’s arm, a detail that has become central to the probe.
A special investigation team (SIT) headed by ACP Vikram Nehra has been formed to lead the inquiry. The team has already issued notices to recover Aqil’s mobile phone and personal belongings for forensic scrutiny. The SIT is also trying to trace a diary mentioned in a police complaint, which allegedly contains Aqil’s final words. Additionally, the probe will examine his psychiatric treatment history and other medical records for potential clues.
The case was registered at the Mansa Devi Complex police station in Panchkula under Sections 103(1) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following a complaint filed by Shamshudeen Chaudhary of Malerkotla. The complaint names Aqil’s parents, wife, and sister as accused and questions the circumstances surrounding his death.
Chaudhary pointed to a video posted by Aqil in August, in which he allegedly accused members of his family of plotting against him. Acting on this, the Panchkula police filed an FIR on October 20, two days after receiving the written complaint.
Panchkula DCP Srishti Gupta confirmed that the inquiry is being conducted “scientifically and without prejudice.” She added, “All angles — medical, forensic, and digital — are under examination. The case will move forward only on the basis of verified evidence.”
Responding to the allegations, Mohammad Mustafa issued a statement expressing his grief over the loss of his son but maintained faith in the judicial process. “An FIR is a procedural step, not a declaration of guilt. We are confident that the investigation will bring out the truth,” he said.
Calling the accusations against his family “baseless and politically motivated,” Mustafa emphasized that they would face the inquiry with transparency. “We have lost a young son; the pain is unimaginable. But we will not allow falsehood to overshadow the truth,” he stated.
With both the forensic report and digital evidence still pending, officials say the case remains open-ended. The viscera analysis is expected to play a decisive role in uncovering the actual cause of Aqil Akhtar’s untimely death, which continues to stir public and political attention across Punjab and Haryana.
