Inquiry to Conclude in 4 Weeks: Leh Violence Investigation

MP, 2, October 2025 : A magisterial inquiry ordered into the September 24 violence in Leh, which resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries, will be completed within four weeks, according to officials. The inquiry was initiated by the Leh Deputy Commissioner, who appointed Sub Divisional Magistrate Nubra Mukul Beniwal as the inquiry officer.

The violence occurred during a shutdown organized by the Apex Body Leh, aimed at advancing talks with the central government concerning Ladakh's demand for statehood and safeguards under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Last month, security forces opened fire in Leh town during the shutdown.

Beniwal, in a public notice, stated that the inquiry committee's objective is to determine the facts and circumstances leading to the serious law and order situation, police action, and the deaths of four individuals.

The victims of the shooting were Jigmet Dorjey of Kharnak, Rinchen Dadul of Hanu, Stanzin Namgail of Igoo, and Tsewang Tharchin of Skurbuchan. They died due to the police firing during the incident.

Beniwal also appealed to the public to provide any relevant information that might assist in understanding the sequence of events that led to the violence. He encouraged individuals with information to visit him between October 4 and 18 during office hours at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Leh.

“All concerned are therefore requested to extend their cooperation to ensure a fair and transparent inquiry,” said the SDM.

Meanwhile, the demand for a judicial inquiry into the violence intensified on Thursday. Two prominent Buddhist religious organizations, along with the Kargil Bar Association, voiced their support for the demand. Life in Leh appeared to be returning to normal, as authorities relaxed curfew restrictions for the entire day on Thursday and released 26 detained youths.

The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and the All Ladakh Gonpa Association held a joint prayer meeting, where they paid tribute to the four victims of the September 24 police firing. They also paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary.