Centre Appoints Retired SC Judge BS Chauhan to Probe Leh Violence

Inquiry to Investigate Causes of September 24 Clashes, Police Actions, and Four Fatalities

New Delhi, October 17, 2025 – The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has appointed retired Supreme Court Judge Dr. BS Chauhan to lead a judicial inquiry into the violent clashes that erupted in Leh on September 24, 2025. The probe aims to investigate the circumstances leading to the severe law-and-order breakdown, the actions taken by the police, and the deaths of four individuals during the incident.

According to an official MHA statement, the violence in Leh city resulted in a significant disruption of public order, prompting police intervention. The clashes between security forces and protesters, who were demanding statehood for Leh and special status under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, led to four fatalities and approximately 90 injuries. The inquiry will examine the factors contributing to the unrest, the response of law enforcement, and the events surrounding the tragic loss of lives.

The MHA emphasized its commitment to ensuring a fair investigation, stating, “To ensure an impartial probe, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a judicial inquiry led by former Supreme Court Judge Dr. BS Chauhan. The investigation will delve into the circumstances that caused the serious law-and-order situation, the actions taken by the police, and the unfortunate deaths of four individuals.”

The violence on September 24 followed protests led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained two days later under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Jodhpur jail on charges of inciting unrest. The protests were part of a broader movement by the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), advocating for greater autonomy and constitutional protections for the region.

The government reiterated its openness to dialogue, stating it remains ready to engage with ABL and KDA through a high-level committee or other platforms. The MHA expressed confidence that continued discussions would yield positive outcomes and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the aspirations of Leh’s residents.

The inquiry is expected to provide clarity on the events of September 24 and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Further details on the probe’s timeline and proceedings are yet to be announced.