Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Yasin Malik Rejects Role, Seeks Death Penalty in Bhat Case
Yasin Malik is facing a court case about the 1990 killing of nurse Sarla Bhat.
Bhat was a Kashmiri Pandit who worked at a hospital in Srinagar.
Malik told the court that he will stop fighting the case and asked for the death penalty.
However, he also said this does not mean he admits committing the crime.
He says he was falsely accused and questions the evidence against him.
Prosecutors have named him and four other people in a large chargesheet.
The court, not Malik, will decide whether he is guilty and what punishment could apply.
Malik also said he wants to separate from his wife, Mushaal, with whom he has a daughter.
JKLF leader Yasin Malik told a Srinagar court he would no longer contest proceedings in the 1990 killing of nurse Sarla Bhat.
Malik requested capital punishment but explicitly said his decision was not an admission of guilt or acceptance of the allegations.
He maintains he was falsely implicated and disputes the alleged JKLF note, the prosecution’s account, and claims that Bhat was targeted as an informer.
The State Investigation Agency filed a 737-page chargesheet naming Malik and four others in the abduction and killing case.
In the same submission, Malik announced plans to separate from Pakistani wife Mushaal Hussein Mullick; they have a daughter, Razia Sultana.
- Who
- Yasin Malik is the accused highlighted in the case; Sarla Bhat was the Kashmiri Pandit nurse who was abducted and killed.
- What
- Malik withdrew from contesting the trial and requested capital punishment while denying involvement in Bhat’s killing.
- When
- Bhat was abducted on April 18, 1990 and found dead the following day, according to the reports. Malik’s submission was reported as filed on August 27 or September 2; the next hearing is scheduled for September 19.
- Where
- The proceedings are before an Additional Sessions Court handling TADA/POTA cases in Srinagar; Bhat’s body was recovered in the Malabagh area.
- Why
- Malik said he reached the decision after deep reflection and Istikhara, while maintaining that he was politically and falsely implicated.
Malik’s Position
Prosecution’s Case
Role in Bhat’s killing
Malik’s Position
Malik denies involvement, says he was falsely implicated for political reasons, and describes Bhat as an innocent civilian rather than an informer.
Prosecution’s Case
The SIA chargesheet names Malik as an accused and alleges he was involved in the conspiracy surrounding Bhat’s abduction, torture and killing.
Evidence
Malik’s Position
Malik disputes the alleged handwritten JKLF note and questions why the case was not brought against him during earlier investigations.
Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution’s case reportedly includes the chargesheet, witness accounts, medical and ballistic reports, the alleged claim note and electronic records.
Withdrawal and punishment
Malik’s Position
Malik says he will no longer contest the proceedings and asks the court to consider capital punishment, while expressly denying that this is an admission of guilt.
Prosecution’s Case
The prosecution is continuing the case, and Malik’s request does not itself impose a death sentence; the court must decide the case under applicable law.
- Victim
- Sarla Bhat, a 27-year-old staff nurse associated with Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar.
- Chargesheet
- The Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency filed a 737-page chargesheet naming Malik and four other accused.
- Accused named
- Yasin Malik, Khurshid Ahmad Chalkoo, Abdul Hamid Sheikh, Mohammad Yousuf Sofi and Ghulam Mohammad Taploo.
- Malik’s submission
- A 25-page statement or affidavit filed through lawyer Abu Adil Pandit.
- Malik’s position
- He says he was falsely implicated, denies directing or participating in the killing, and disputes the alleged handwritten JKLF note.
- Next hearing
- The prosecution’s reply is scheduled for September 19.
- Separate conviction
- Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022 in a separate terror-funding case; the National Investigation Agency has sought a sentence enhancement.
Sources
Yasin Malik To Divorce Pak Wife Mushaal, Won’t Challenge Death Penalty In Sarla Bhat Murder Case
Yasin Malik Wants To Release Pakistani Wife From Nikah, Requests Death Penalty in Sarla Bhat Murder Case
Sarla Bhat murder: Yasin Malik denies role, yet seeks capital punishment
JKLF chief Yasin Malik decides not to contest trial in 1990 murder of Kashmiri Pandit nurse, chooses to separate from wife
