Court Convicts Towseef Ahmed Thokar in 2021 Shopian Encounter Case – Alfaaz – The Words

Accused Held Guilty Under UAPA and Arms Act; Sentencing Set for November 17

Srinagar: The Special NIA/UAPA Court for Kulgam and Shopian has convicted Towseef Ahmed Thokar, son of Mohammad Yousaf Thokar, a resident of Khawajapora Reban, Zainapora, in the 2021 Imam Sahab encounter case registered under FIR No. 25/2021 at Police Station Imam Sahab.

Thokar was found guilty under Sections 16, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 7/27 of the Arms Act. The court has fixed November 17, 2025, for pronouncement of the sentence.

The case relates to an encounter that took place on May 5, 2021, between security forces and militants at Imam Sahab, Shopian, during which three militants, Danish Ahmed Mir, Zahid Bashir, and Umar Hassan Bhat — were killed. The accused, Towseef Ahmed Thokar, was apprehended alive from the site along with arms and ammunition.

The investigation was led by Shri Mohammad Ashrif Lissery (JKPS), then DySP Operations, Imam Sahab Shopian, who is currently serving as SDPO Magam.

In his detailed judgment, Special Judge Parvaiz Iqbal underscored that acts of terrorism pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the nation, warranting a firm judicial response. However, he emphasized that such firmness must coexist with the principles of fair trial and constitutional safeguards.

The court lauded the Investigating Officer and the prosecution team for their professionalism and meticulous presentation of evidence, observing that the investigation was “conducted in a systematic and transparent manner, resulting in the successful establishment of the prosecution’s case beyond reasonable doubt.”

Concluding the verdict, the court held that the evidence on record “unambiguously points towards the guilt of the accused,” thereby convicting Towseef Ahmed Thokar on all charges.