Army Orders Inquiry After IGNOU Professor Alleges Assault In Rajouri, Promises ‘Strict Action’

The Indian Army has initiated a probe into allegations of manhandling during a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir. Preliminary findings indicate an attempted weapon snatching by an individual stopped at a checkpoint.

The Indian Army on Friday initiated an inquiry after a university professor alleged he was assaulted by troops during a vehicle checking operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, officials said. The incident reportedly took place near the border village of Laam on Thursday night, when Liaqat Ali, a professor at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) posted in Delhi, was returning to Kalakote after attending a relative’s pre-wedding ceremony. Some of his relatives, including cousin brothers serving in the Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), were accompanying him.

According to police sources cited by news agency PTI, an FIR has been registered at the Nowshera police station against unidentified army personnel under Sections 126(2) (wrongful restraint) and 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Ali sustained head injuries in the alleged assault and received nearly half-a-dozen stitches at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu, in addition to undergoing various medical tests, PTI reported.

However, as per news agency ANI, preliminary findings suggest that Ali reportedly tried to snatch a soldier's weapon and engaged in a scuffle when he was stopped at a checkpoint.

What Did Liaqat Ali Allege?

In a post on social media platform X, Ali said, “My entire family is in the army. I’ve always been proud of that. Proud of the uniform, the service, the sacrifice. But today, what I experienced shook that pride to the core. Without any reason, without any question, I was assaulted – hit on the head with a weapon by the very people I once trusted blindly.”

“It made me realise one terrifying truth: if the system chooses to, it can ‘encounter’ any human being — without evidence, without trial, without justice. There’s no apology that can undo this wound. Only one haunting question remains — has justice now become the privilege of the uniform alone?” he added, along with a photograph showing him bleeding.

Speaking to reporters, the professor recounted, “I was sitting inside the vehicle when army personnel came and asked for my identity. I came out of the vehicle as a matter of respect to show my identity card but they started beating me with their weapons.” He further alleged that his younger brother, an ITBP personnel, was also knocked to the ground.

“The army is our country’s pride… I want nobody to be treated like this and justice be given to me,” Ali said, as per PTI.

A video purportedly showing the injured professor has surfaced online.

Army Assures 'Strict Action' If Any Personnel Be Found Guilty Of Misconduct

In a statement issued in Jammu, the Army said, “An incident has come to light wherein certain individuals were allegedly manhandled by army personnel in Rajouri district. The army had inputs on the likely movement of terrorists in a vehicle in this sensitive area. Accordingly, search operations were being conducted.”

“Preliminary information suggests that on being stopped, the individual tried to snatch weapons from the soldiers on duty, with whom he got into a scuffle. However, an inquiry has been initiated. Should any personnel be found guilty of misconduct, strict action will be taken in accordance with the existing law,” the statement read.

The Army further stated that it remains committed to upholding “the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in the conduct of counter-terror operations” and appealed to all sections of society to cooperate with the forces for collective security.

The incident drew condemnation from various quarters. Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti called the incident “shocking” in a post on X, and urged the army to take immediate and strict action. “Such individuals tarnish the reputation of a respected institution through their unacceptable and high-handed behaviour,” she said.

Former Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina assured the professor of justice. “Law of the land is supreme and nobody in India is above the law. Whosoever made it happen, have to face the consequences,” he said.