Former Punjab Director General of Police (Human Rights) Mohammad Mustafa has found himself in the middle of a serious controversy. He, along with his wife, Razia Sultana, and daughter-in-law, has been booked for the alleged murder of his 33-year-old son, Aqeel Akhtar. The case has shocked Punjab’s political and police circles.
The incident took place at the Mansa Devi Complex in Panchkula, where Aqeel was found dead under mysterious circumstances. What was initially reported as a drug overdose has now turned into a murder investigation after a complaint from a neighbor.
Who Is Mohammad Mustafa?
Mohammad Mustafa is a 1985 batch IPS officer known for his long and decorated service in the Punjab Police. He completed his schooling in government schools and graduated from Khalsa College, Amritsar. He also holds an LLM degree from Punjab University.
Mustafa earned five bravery awards for his work during Punjab’s troubled years. As Superintendent of Police (SP) in Amritsar and Tarn Taran, he played a major role in operations against Khalistani terrorists.
In 2018, he was appointed as Director General of Police (Human Rights). After retirement, Mustafa entered politics. His wife, Razia Sultana, became a three-time MLA from Malerkotla and also served as a Punjab minister.
FIR Filed After Neighbor’s Complaint
Police registered the case based on a complaint by Shamshudeen Chaudhary from Malerkotla. He alleged foul play in Aqeel’s death and referred to a video Aqeel had posted on August 27. In the video, Aqeel accused his father and wife of having an illicit relationship and claimed that his mother and sister were plotting against him. He also said his life was in danger.
Following the complaint, Panchkula Police filed an FIR against Mustafa, his wife, Razia Sultana, and their daughter-in-law. Authorities said that digital evidence, including Aqeel’s video and online content, is being analyzed.
Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Srishti Gupta has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.
What are the Political Connections and Controversies?
Mustafa was considered close to former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. His political journey was marked by ambition, but his dream of becoming the DGP never came true.
In 2021, he challenged the appointment of Gaurav Gupta as DGP in court, arguing that he was senior and had a better record. He alleged bias in the process. The case is still pending.
How Aqeel’s Death Happened?
On October 16, Aqeel Akhtar was found unconscious at his home in Panchkula. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. His family initially said that he died due to a drug overdose. However, police said initial findings suggested complications from medicines he had consumed.
After Chaudhary’s complaint and the discovery of Aqeel’s old video, police began treating the case as suspicious. The FIR was registered, and a detailed probe began.
The police said, “We are examining digital evidence and waiting for the viscera report to confirm the exact cause of death.”
Why does Mustafa deny the Allegations?
Mohammad Mustafa called the FIR a political conspiracy. “Registering an FIR doesn’t prove guilt. The truth will come out soon,” he said.
He also added that his family was in deep pain but would fight to clear their name. “We respect the police for acting on a complaint, but this is dirty politics and cheap thinking,” he stated.
Police said the investigation continues, and no arrests have been made yet.
