The Haryana government has recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of Aqil Akhtar, son of former Punjab Director General of Police Mohammad Mustafa and ex-minister Razia Sultana, after questions surfaced over possible influence and interference in the ongoing state-level inquiry.
Officials confirmed that a formal communication has been sent to the Centre, stating that the case involves “individuals with deep administrative and political connections,” and therefore requires investigation by an independent central agency. The decision comes amid widening controversy over the circumstances leading to Aqil’s death and the serious allegations exchanged within the family.
Aqil, 34, was found unconscious at his residence in Sector 4, MDC, Panchkula, on the night of October 16 and was declared dead on arrival at the Civil Hospital, Sector 6. What began as a suspected overdose case soon escalated into a full-fledged criminal investigation after a family acquaintance, Shamsuddin Chaudhary, came forward with a video recorded by Aqil before his death.
In the video, which has since gone viral, Aqil accused his father of having an illicit relationship with his wife and alleged that his mother, Razia Sultana, and sister were conspiring against him. A second video later surfaced showing him retracting those allegations, further deepening the mystery.
Following Chaudhary’s complaint, the Panchkula Police registered an FIR at the Mata Mansa Devi Police Station under Sections 103(1) and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Mustafa, his wife, their daughter, and daughter-in-law. The Haryana Police then constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by ACP Vikram Nehra to examine electronic evidence, phone records, and forensic findings.
However, sources within the Home Department said the state government believes that the former DGP’s long service record and influence across state police networks could “inadvertently impact” the impartiality of the ongoing probe. “The case has taken a sensitive turn and requires the neutrality of a central agency,” a senior official said.
While the post-mortem examination noted a single syringe mark on Aqil’s right arm, officials clarified that the move to seek a CBI probe was prompted primarily by the family’s position of power and not by the medical findings. Forensic reports on toxic substances are still awaited.
Mohammad Mustafa, who retired as Punjab’s DGP in 2021 and later joined the Congress, has not responded publicly to Haryana’s recommendation. His wife Razia Sultana, a three-time MLA from Malerkotla, has maintained that their son had been undergoing treatment for drug addiction and that the allegations are baseless.
The case has drawn strong political reactions in both Punjab and Haryana, with opposition leaders demanding transparency and an early handover to the CBI to “uphold public faith in justice.” The Centre’s response to the state’s request is expected within the coming days.
