Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik has denied his involvement in the killing of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat 36 years ago.
Malik, currently lodged in Tihar Jail, filed a 25-page affidavit before the court of additional sessions judge (TADA/POTA), Srinagar, terming the allegations baseless.
In his affidavit, Malik said that on June 29, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir filed a chargesheet in connection with the murder of Sarla Bhat on April 19, 1990. Malik said that prior to filing of the chargesheet, on June 2 and 3, 2026, three officers of the SIA visited him in Central Jail No. 7, Tihar, pursuant to an order of the competent court. He further stated that the Border Security Force (BSF), which conducted the raid at the residence of Hafiz Bazaz on April 8, 1990, was itself unaware of his presence in the building. In June, 36 years after the rape and murder of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat, the SIA filed a chargesheet before a special TADA court in Srinagar, naming proscribed JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik, then the outfit’s ‘chief commander’, and Khurshid Ahmad Chalkoo as the masterminds behind the crime.
“Considering my personal circumstances and after deep reflection, I have decided not to contest the trial proceedings further. My decision shall not be treated as an admission of any prosecution fact, guilt or acceptance of the allegations made against me.
Malik, however, said he has decided not to contest the trial proceedings. I request for capital punishment,” he said in the affidavit.
