MHA orders judicial probe into Leh violence

Kargil, Oct 17: In a significant development, the Minsitry of Home Affairs (MHA) Friday ordered a judicial inquiry into the events of September 24 clashes in Leh which resulted in unfortunate death of four civilians and injuries to many. As per the MHA order, Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan (Former Judge, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India) shall inquire into the circumstances leading to the serious law and order situation, the police action and the resultant unfortunate death of the four individuals.

“Whereas, on 24.09.2025, a serious law and order situation was created in Leh lown resulting in police action leading to the unfortunate death of four individuals. And whereas, FIR No. 144/2025 under Sections 189, 191(2), 191(3), 190, 115(2). 118(1). 118(2). 326. 324, 326(c), 326(f), 326(g), 309, 109, 117(2), 125, 121(1). 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 has been registered at Police Station Leh. And whereas, it is imperative to conduct an inquiry into the said incident by a Retired Judge of the Hon ‘ble Supreme Court of India. Now, therefore, the Ministry of Home Aflairs, Government of India, hereby notifies a Judicial Inquiry to be conducted by Hon’ble Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan (Former Judge. Hon’ble Supreme Court of India) into the circumstances leading to the serious law and order situation, the police action and the resultant unfortunate death of the four individuals” the order reads . It further said that Dr. Justice B. S. Chauhan (Former Judge, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India) will be assisted by the following officials in conducting the said judicial inquiry: i. Sh. Mohan Singh Parihar, Retd. Distt. & Sessions Judge as Judicial Secretary and Sh. Tushar Anand, IAS as Administrative Secretary.

Earlier, on October 2 the Ladakh administration had announced Magisterial probe by SDM Nubra Mukul Beniwal to investigate the clashes of September and fix responsibility.

However, several Ladakh groups including the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance as also the influential religious groups and individuals had appealed for Judicial Inquiry.

Meanwhile, the Judicial inquiry ordered by MHA has been welcomed by the Ladakh leaders.

KDA member and prominent social activist Sajad Hussain Kargili said that, “Govt has notified a Judicial Inquiry by Hon’ble Justice B.S. Chauhan into the tragic 24 Sept Leh incident. We welcome the step, but justice remains incomplete without release of all detainees including Sonam Wangchuk, compensation & medical aid for victims, statehood & 6th schedule safeguards for Ladakh”.

To mention, On October 9, Chief Secretary Ladakh Dr Pawan Kotwal also held a meeting with the members of the Civil Society and assured them that matter of Judicial Inquiry is under consideration and being discussed with the Ministry of Home Affairs.