PANCHKULA, Oct 23: The Haryana government has formally requested the Centre to hand over the investigation into the alleged murder of Aqil Akhtar, son of former Punjab IPS officer Mohammad Mustafa and former minister Razia Sultana, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
A formal reference was made to the Union government on Wednesday, seeking intervention in the high-profile case. The probe will be transferred to the federal agency once the central government approves the extension of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act’s jurisdiction to Haryana for this case.
Former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa is expected to join the ongoing police investigation on Monday, October 27, and has confirmed that his family will fully cooperate. A notice was issued to Mustafa on Wednesday directing him to appear before investigators, a senior Panchkula police officer said.
According to police records, Aqil Akhtar, 35, was found unconscious at his Sector 4 residence in Panchkula on the night of October 16 and taken to Civil Hospital. Initial findings suggested poisoning, as a syringe mark was observed on his right arm, and his diary allegedly mentioned aluminium phosphide poisoning. Mustafa confirmed that the diary remains in the family’s possession and will be handed to police if requested.
Following a complaint by Shamshudeen Chaudhary, an FIR was registered on October 20 against Mustafa, his wife Razia Sultana, their daughter, and daughter-in-law under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Chaudhary has demanded a thorough and impartial probe, while the family may seek protection from arrest.
Reacting to the FIR, Mustafa expressed anguish, saying, “There is no greater pain for a father than losing his only son… Some have tried to exploit this situation for petty politics. I have no fear, for we have done nothing wrong. Have you ever heard of a father killing his own son?” He also revealed that his son had battled drug addiction for nearly 18 years, highlighting the challenges posed by substance abuse in Punjab.
The case remains under active investigation, with authorities awaiting the Centre’s approval to transfer it to the CBI for a detailed inquiry. (Agencies)
