In response to the violent protests that occurred on September 24, 2025, in Leh, Ladakh, the local administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the events that led to the death of four people. The protests, sparked by demands for statehood and the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution for the region, turned deadly when security forces opened fire on demonstrators.
The inquiry is to be led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Nubra, Mukul Beniwal, who has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer. The inquiry aims to ascertain the detailed facts and circumstances that led to the unrest, the subsequent police action, and the resulting fatalities. A report with the inquiry's findings is expected within four weeks.
SDM Beniwal has issued a public notice urging individuals with any information regarding the September 24 incident to come forward and record their statements. The invitation extends to those willing to provide oral evidence, written statements, or material evidence such as photos or video recordings. The Inquiry Officer will be available at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Leh from October 4 to October 18 during office hours to facilitate the process.
The violence on September 24 occurred during a 35-day hunger strike organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). The protestors were demonstrating against the central government's delay in holding "result-oriented" talks regarding their demands, which include statehood for Ladakh and granting Sixth Schedule status to the region. The situation escalated when protestors torched the BJP office and vandalized the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) premises. Security forces responded by opening fire, resulting in the deaths of Jigmet Dorjey, Rinchen Dadul, Stanzin Namgail, and Tsewang Tharchin. Approximately 80 others were injured in the clashes.
Following the violence, the Ladakh Lieutenant-Governor Kavinder Gupta imposed a curfew in Leh on September 24, which was later relaxed on September 30. As of October 2, 2025, the curfew had been extended to its ninth day. Mobile internet and public Wi-Fi services were also suspended under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 until at least October 3.
The incident has led to widespread condemnation and demands for a more thorough investigation. While the administration has initiated a magisterial inquiry, many, including protesters, student groups, opposition leaders, and local political parties, are calling for a judicial probe supervised by a sitting or retired High Court or Supreme Court judge to ensure impartiality. There are also demands for the immediate release of detainees, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, the dropping of charges, the lifting of curfews and internet bans, and compensation for the victims' families. Wangchuk was arrested on September 27 under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly making "provocative statements".
