Family Alleges Foul Play After 23-Year-Old Dies in Police Custody
Srinagar 04 May 2025: A 23-year-old man from Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has died after being detained by police for questioning regarding alleged terror links, triggering a wave of outrage and accusations of custodial killing. The circumstances surrounding his death are highly contested, with the police claiming he died while attempting to escape, while his family insists he was murdered in custody.
The Incident:
The deceased has been identified as Imtiyaz Ahmed, a resident of Kulgam. According to police reports, Ahmed was detained in connection with an ongoing investigation into a recent encounter on April 23rd, where two terrorists managed to escape after exchanging fire with security forces. Police sources state that Ahmed’s involvement was revealed during this investigation, and he allegedly confessed to having knowledge of a Lashkar-e-Taiba hideout.
The police claim that Ahmed was taken to this hideout location for identification purposes. It was during this trip that, according to the police, Ahmed attempted to flee by jumping into the fast-flowing Vaishow stream. The police released drone footage purportedly showing Ahmed jumping into the stream and being swept away by the strong current.
Family’s Allegations:
Ahmed’s family vehemently denies the police’s version of events. They allege that Ahmed was subjected to custodial torture and killed by the police, accusing the authorities of a cover-up. Their claims have fueled widespread anger and protests in the region, with many demanding an independent and impartial investigation into the incident.
Political Reactions and Demands for Accountability
The incident has drawn strong reactions from various political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, further intensifying the calls for accountability.
- Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, has expressed serious concerns about the incident, alleging foul play by the authorities. She stated that the incident raises troubling questions about the conduct of the security forces and the circumstances surrounding Ahmed’s death. Mufti also drew a connection to the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent security crackdown, suggesting a pattern of excessive force and targeting of innocent civilians.
- Sakina Itoo, a state Cabinet Minister who visited Ahmed’s residence, demanded a judicial enquiry into the incident. According to news agency PTI, Itoo claimed that there was no prior police record against the deceased, further casting doubt on the police’s narrative. “There should be a judicial probe (into Magray’s death) so that the truth comes out,” she was quoted as saying.
Broader Context and Concerns
This incident has occurred in the context of heightened tensions and increased security measures in Jammu and Kashmir, following a recent terror attack. On April 22nd, a terror outfit linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out an attack in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists. In response to this attack, security forces launched a large-scale anti-terror operation, leading to the detention of numerous individuals for questioning.
The death of Imtiyaz Ahmed and the allegations of custodial killing have raised serious concerns about the conduct of security forces during these operations. It has also brought back into focus previous incidents of alleged custodial deaths and human rights violations in the region, further fueling anger and resentment among the local population.
This particular incident has also drawn comparisons to a previous case involving the deaths of three missing Gujjar youths from Kulgam, whose bodies were also recovered from the Vaishow stream. The investigation into that case is still ongoing.
Key Issues and Points of Contention
- Conflicting Narratives: The stark contrast between the police’s version of events (accidental death during an escape attempt) and the family’s allegations (custodial killing) is at the heart of the controversy.
- Lack of Trust: The incident has further eroded trust between the local population and the security forces, which has been a long-standing issue in the region.
- Demand for Impartial Investigation: There is a growing demand for an independent and impartial investigation into Ahmed’s death to determine the actual circumstances and ensure accountability.
- Human Rights Concerns: The incident has once again brought to the forefront concerns about human rights violations and the potential for abuse of power by security forces in conflict zones.
- Impact on Security Operations: The incident could potentially complicate ongoing anti-terror operations, as it may lead to increased resentment and resistance from the local population.
The death of Imtiyaz Ahmed has become a flashpoint in the already tense situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The conflicting narratives, the serious allegations of custodial killing, and the demands for accountability highlight the urgent need for transparency, adherence to human rights, and a fair and impartial investigation. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the relationship between the security forces and the local population, and for the broader efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.
