SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police is investigating the alleged torture of the five Topi Pir village residents in an incident that led to three deaths earlier, The Indian Express reported. The police have already lodged a murder case in the December 22, 2023, incident.
The newspaper reported that the Jammu and Kashmir Police have requested the Army to provide medical records for the five men: Riaz (25), Farooq (19), Israel (20), Jameel (18), and Irfan (18). These individuals, who were witnesses to the events, need to provide statements before a judicial magistrate as part of the inquiry into the death of three civilians.
The incident occurred on Mughal Road between Dehra Ki Gali and Bufliaz, resulting in the detention of eight civilians from Topa Pir and five from Thanamandi. Three of those from Topi Pir – Shabir Ahmed, Safeer Ahmed, and Mohammad Showkat – died from injuries sustained during alleged torture.
The incident led to the visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief, General Pande, to the area on December 27. They met the residents and also visited some of the injured in the hospital.
During the visit, Singh emphasised the responsibility of defending the nation, urging troops to win the hearts of their countrymen. He also met the five individuals picked up from Thanamandi, who were later discharged and received Rs 3 lakh each as compensation. The J&K administration had announced compensation, a plot of land, and a government job for the families of the deceased, while the Army provided Rs 10 lakh in compensation.
