Srinagar, April 30: A court in Bandipora has acquitted both accused in the 2016 Hajin murder case of Fayaz Ahmad Dar, citing lack of evidence and granting them the benefit of doubt after a prolonged trial of nearly ten years.
The accused — Showkat Ahmad Bhat of Baharabad and Zamrooda Begum of Vijpara, Hajin — were facing charges under Sections 302 (murder), 457 (house trespass), 120-B (criminal conspiracy), and 204 of the erstwhile Ranbir Penal Code.
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In its judgment, the court held that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt and declared both accused not guilty, extending them the full benefit of doubt.
“The evidence on record does not establish guilt conclusively,” the court observed while acquitting the accused of all charges.
Both accused had been on bail since September 1, 2022, following earlier observations regarding contradictions in the prosecution’s case and hostile witnesses.
With the acquittal, the court ordered that their bail bonds stand cancelled and discharged, and no further appearance in the case is required.
The court further directed that all seized case property be dealt with as per law after the expiry of the appeal period or depending on the outcome of any appeal filed before a higher court.
According to the prosecution, the murder allegedly took place on the night of July 2–3, 2016, with claims that the accused conspired to kill the victim over a suspected illicit relationship. The body of Fayaz Ahmad Dar was later found in the bathroom under suspicious circumstances.
However, during the trial, the prosecution’s case weakened significantly. Of around 30 witnesses examined, many turned hostile, while several others retracted earlier statements or denied key allegations, including the alleged relationship and involvement of the accused.
The trial, which began in 2017, faced multiple delays due to unrest, non-appearance of witnesses and the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence recording concluded in 2021, while the accused were granted bail in 2022 after the court noted contradictions in the prosecution’s case.
A key factor in the verdict was the post-mortem report, which failed to establish a clear cause of death. The doctor who conducted the autopsy stated that strangulation or asphyxia could not be confirmed and even indicated the possibility of natural causes. The absence of a final forensic report further weakened the case.
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After completion of arguments, the court held that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt and acquitted both accused.
