Youth’s Body Found In Kulgam Stream; Mufti, J-K Minister Seek Probe As Locals Claim Custodial Death
The body of a youth, Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray, was found in a stream in Kulgam district, sparking allegations of foul play. Police claimed that Magray, who was allegedly an overground worker for terrorists.
The body of a youth identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray was recovered from the Adbal stream in the Aharbal area of Kulgam district on Sunday, sparking allegations of foul play and prompting calls for a judicial probe. Officials said that residents of the area found the body amid claims that the deceased had been picked up by security forces for questioning following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
According to officials, police have taken cognisance of the incident and launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of death, news agency PTI reported. A drone footage that surfaced hours after the body was recovered reportedly showed a youth jumping into the fast-flowing stream and being swept away.
Police claimed that Magray, who had allegedly “confessed” to being an overground worker (OGW) for terrorists, attempted to escape while guiding security forces to a hideout in a nearby forest.
Mehbooba Mufti Raises Suspicion Of 'Foul Play', Demands 'Impartial Investigation'
However, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti alleged serious foul play in the incident. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mufti said, “Yet another body has been recovered from a river in Kulgam, raising serious allegations of foul play. Local residents allege that Imtiyaz Magray was picked up by the army two days ago and now his body has surfaced mysteriously in the river.”
Calling for an impartial investigation, Mufti added, “Allegations of misconduct – be it the Bandipora encounter or this latest incident in Kulgam – are deeply troubling and warrant a thorough impartial investigation.”
She also linked the incident to the larger security environment in the Valley following the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed on April 22. “The Pahalgam attack was very sad and unfortunate. We all are aggrieved by it. However, an atmosphere of fear has been created. If a single act of violence can shake the entire system, triggering arbitrary arrests, home demolitions and the targeting of innocent civilians, the perpetrators have already achieved their objective,” she said, alleging the attack appeared to be a “calculated attempt” to derail the “fragile” peace, disrupt tourism, and undermine communal harmony in the country.
Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Ittoo Demands Judicial Probe
Jammu and Kashmir minister Sakina Ittoo also demanded a judicial probe, stating that there was no record of any wrongdoing by the deceased. “There should be a judicial probe (into Magray’s death) so that the truth comes out,” she said, as per PTI.
“I request the lieutenant governor (Manoj Sinha) that instructions be given to the home department to ensure that innocent people are not harassed and harmed,” Ittoo added.
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