Justice After 35 Years: SIA Files 737-Page Chargesheet in Sarla Bhat Murder Case

 

 

 

In a landmark development and a defining moment in Jammu Kashmir's fight against terrorism, the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir has filed a 737-page comprehensive chargesheet before the Court of Additional Sessions Judge, TADA/POTA, Special Judge designated under the NIA Act, Srinagar in the abduction, torture and brutal killing of Ms. Sarla Bhat, a staff nurse at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, who was killed by JKLF terrorists on 18 April 1990. The case was transferred to SIA J&K on 18th March 2024 under the orders of DGP J&K.

 

 

The case relates to one of the most barbaric terrorist crimes committed during the early phase of terrorism in Kashmir. Ms. Sarla Bhat was abducted from the vicinity of SKIMS on 18 April 1990, subjected to brutal torture and physical assault, and thereafter horrendously killed through automatic rifle fire at Omer Colony, Malbagh, Srinagar.

 

 

 

 

The investigation has conclusively established that the killing of Ms. Sarla Bhat was not an isolated act of violence but part of a larger terrorist conspiracy orchestrated under the command and control of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).

 

The investigation has revealed the involvement of Mohammad Yaseen Malik, then Chief Commander of JKLF, along with Khurshid Ahmad Chalkoo, Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Mohammad Yousuf Sofi alias Idrees and Ghulam Mohammad Taploo in planning and executing the abduction and brutal killing. While Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Mohammad Yousuf Sofi alias Idrees and Ghulam Mohammad Taploo are deceased, Mohammad Yaseen Malik is presently in judicial custody in another case. Legal proceedings, including proclamation proceedings, have been initiated against absconding terrorist Khurshid Ahmad Chalkoo (man who pulled the trigger), who is believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir.