Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 23: Army today said it has closed the Pathribal case and informed the Court of Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar.
“The evidence recorded couldn’t establish a prima facie case against any of the accused persons but clearly revealed that it was a joint operation conducted by police and Army based on specific intelligence,’’ an Army handout issued here this evening said.
It said the Army had taken over Pathribal case from the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar in 2012 after the CBI investigations and order of the Supreme Court in March 2012.
“A comprehensive and exhaustive effort was undertaken to record evidence against all accused. Over 50 witnesses were examined including a large number of civilian witnesses, State Government and police officials,’’ the handout said, adding that Forensic, documentary and other relevant evidence was also taken on record.
It said: “for the convenience of the next of kin of deceased persons and other civilian witnesses, the team recording the evidence had even moved to the Valley to record their statements. The civil administration also provided considerable help. However, the evidence couldn’t establish a prima facie case against the accused. Therefore, the Army authorities have closed the case and given intimation to the Court of Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar’’.
The Army had earlier in the alleged Machhil case ordered Court Martial against six accused Army persons. The proceedings are currently in progress.
The handout said the Army is very sensitive to all allegations of human rights and would make sure that due process of law was followed and action taken against the accused.
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