The investigation into the mysterious death of Aqil Akhtar, son of former Punjab DGP Mohammad Mustafa and ex-minister Razia Sultana, has taken a crucial turn with the recovery of a diary from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The diary, reportedly containing a suicide note, was seized late Friday night from Mustafa’s residence and is now being prepared for forensic examination, including handwriting verification to ensure authenticity.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved and the allegations of influence surrounding the former DGP. Authorities are attempting to piece together events using the diary, statements from witnesses, and other evidence.
Timeline of Events:
October 16: Aqil Akhtar, 34, was found unconscious at his residence in Sector 4, MDC, Panchkula. He was rushed to Civil Hospital, Sector 6, where he was declared dead upon arrival. Initial reports suggested a possible overdose, though the circumstances remained unclear.
October 17: Aqil’s postmortem was conducted, and his funeral took place in Saharanpur, UP. Neighbour Shamsuddin Chaudhary submitted a video recorded by Aqil prior to his death and filed a formal complaint with the Panchkula Police Commissioner, raising serious allegations against the family.
October 20: An FIR was registered at Mata Mansa Devi Police Station against Mohammad Mustafa, Razia Sultana, Aqil’s wife and sister under charges of murder and criminal conspiracy. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to handle the case and conduct an in-depth inquiry.
October 21: The SIT interrogated Shamsuddin Chaudhary for over five hours. He provided detailed statements regarding the family, submitted video, and events leading up to Aqil’s death, emphasizing the influence the accused wield in Punjab and surrounding regions.
October 22: The SIT conducted a seven-hour investigation at Mustafa’s Panchkula residence, collecting evidence and attempting to locate Aqil’s mobile phone and laptop, which were used to post videos on social media but have not yet been recovered.
October 23: The Haryana government formally requested the central government to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Officials cited concerns that the family’s political and administrative influence could compromise a fair investigation. The request is still pending with the CBI, and the central agency has not yet taken over the case.
October 24: SIT investigators traveled to Saharanpur, UP and recovered Aqil’s diary from Mustafa’s residence. Authorities believe the diary could be pivotal in understanding Aqil’s final days and the circumstances surrounding his death. It has been sent for forensic examination, including handwriting verification, to confirm its authenticity.
Investigators have also reviewed records from a Patiala de-addiction center to understand Aqil’s medical history and the extent of his treatment for substance abuse. Statements from household staff, security personnel, and neighbours were recorded to reconstruct the events surrounding the day of Aqil’s death.
The videos uploaded by Aqil on social media are being forensically analyzed to ensure they have not been tampered with, which could provide further clarity on his state of mind in the weeks leading up to his death.
Meanwhile, the complainant Shamsuddin Chaudhary has repeatedly expressed distrust in the Panchkula police investigation, alleging that the former DGP continues to enjoy freedom despite being named in the FIR. He has demanded that the Enforcement Directorate examine Mustafa’s properties, including a mansion in Panchkula and a palace in Malerkotla, and has called for an independent CBI investigation.
While the Haryana government has formally requested the CBI to take over the case, the central agency has not yet provided approval. Until then, the SIT continues its independent investigation, including the forensic examination of the diary and attempts to recover Aqil’s missing electronic devices. "Authorities stress that these steps are expected to play a key role in piecing together the timeline and circumstances of Aqil Akhtar’s death".
