Tensions between father Mohammad Mustafa and son Aqeel Akhtar surface; Haryana government now recommends a CBI inquiry into the high-profile case
PANCHKULA – The death of 35-year-old Aqeel Akhtar, son of former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Mohammad Mustafa, has turned into a major controversy as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has made a crucial revelation, indicating deep family and ideological differences.
Aqeel was found unconscious at his Panchkula residence on the night of 16 October. Despite immediate medical attention, doctors declared him dead upon arrival at the hospital. At first, the incident appeared to be a natural death. However, subsequent developments, including a viral video released by Aqeel himself, have changed the course of the investigation.
In the video that surfaced on social media, Aqeel made serious allegations against his father and wife, claiming emotional and ideological conflicts within the household. Following the circulation of the video, a case was registered against former DGP Mustafa, his wife and former Congress minister Razia Sultana, their daughter, and daughter-in-law, on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
Speaking to reporters, ACP Vikram Nehra, who is leading the SIT probe, confirmed that investigators have uncovered strong signs of conflict within the family.
“There was definitely tension between the father and son,” he stated. “Nine policemen who were deployed for security at Mr. Mustafa’s residence have been questioned. We are now questioning the domestic help as well. The house search has been completed, and the mobile phone and laptop of the deceased have been seized for analysis.”
He added, “It is clear that Aqeel had ideological differences with his family, as he mentioned in his viral video. At present, our first priority is to determine the exact cause of death. The family has not yet been questioned.”
Given the seriousness of the allegations and the inter-state implications of the case, the Haryana government has recommended that the investigation be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Officials confirmed that the CBI would take charge after receiving clearance from the central government.
A senior Haryana Home Department official said, “Due to the gravity of the case, the involvement of multiple states, and the prominence of those accused, we believe a CBI inquiry is necessary to ensure complete transparency and justice.”
Initially, after the postmortem, Aqeel’s death was treated as natural, and his body was handed over to his family. However, the matter resurfaced after Shamsuddin Chaudhary of Malerkotla, a cattle-feed trader who claims to be a neighbour of the Aqeel Akhter’s family, lodged a formal complaint, suspecting foul play.
Chaudhary alleged that Aqeel had expressed fear for his life in a video message recorded in August, months before his death. “He told me that he was under tremendous mental pressure and feared for his safety,” said Chaudhary. “I couldn’t stay silent after hearing about his death. It was my moral duty to demand justice for him.”
Sources close to the family told reporters that Aqeel had become increasingly vocal about his religious and ideological views, which allegedly caused friction within the household. While Mustafa, known for his strong administrative background and political connections, maintained a secular outlook, Aqeel leaned towards a more conservative and religious worldview.
One of Aqeel’s friends, who requested anonymity, said, “Aqeel often spoke about how his thoughts were not respected at home. He wanted to live according to his own beliefs but felt isolated.”
The case has sparked wide concern among the Muslim community, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, where many have called for a fair and transparent probe.
A local cleric in Malerkotla remarked, “We want truth and justice. Aqeel was a young man with strong faith and conviction. If there was any wrongdoing, it must come to light. No one, however powerful, should be above the law.”
Social organisations and minority groups have also urged the authorities to protect the dignity of the deceased and ensure impartiality in the investigation.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes are now on the CBI’s next steps. The forensic analysis of Aqeel’s devices is expected to play a crucial role in establishing the sequence of events leading to his death.
For now, the family remains silent, while public pressure continues to mount. What began as a private tragedy has now evolved into a high-profile case of alleged family conflict, ideology, and justice.
As one local resident in Panchkula said, “It’s a sad story of a son seeking acceptance and a system struggling to find the truth.”
