3 Civilians' Death In J-K: Army Orders Probe After Accusation Of Custodial Torture In Poonch

Their family and political leaders have claimed that the three died as a result of "custodial torture" after being detained by the Army for questioning.

Representational Image.

Source : PTI

The Army has launched a comprehensive internal probe into the deaths of three civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district after reports that they died in its custody, according to persons acquainted with the situation, news agency PTI reported. The three civilians were purportedly apprehended by the Army for questioning after four Army jawans were killed in an ambush by suspected terrorists in Poonch on December 21. The three people, aged 27 to 42, were discovered deceased on December 22.

Their family and political leaders have claimed that the three died as a result of "custodial torture" after being detained by the Army for questioning.

According to the persons listed above, a full inquiry into the killings of civilians has been ordered as part of routine operating practice.

The police in Jammu and Kashmir are also investigating the fatalities.

The Army stated on Saturday that it is committed to provide "full support and cooperation" in the probe.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration announced on Saturday that three people were discovered dead in Poonch district and that a judicial case has been launched in connection with the event.

Authorities indicated in a post on X (previously Twitter) that the fatalities were notified on Friday and that compensation has been announced for the families.

“The death of three civilians was reported yesterday in Baffliaz of Poonch District. The medico legal formalities were conducted and legal action in this matter has been initiated by the appropriate authority,” the Public Relations Department of the Jammu and Kashmir administration posted on X.

According to the post, the government has also offered compensation for each of the deceased as well as compassionate appointments to the next of kin.

The claims of civilian killings occurred as security forces were engaged in an anti-terror operation in response to a targeted strike that killed four soldiers earlier this week in Poonch district.

Terrorists with heavy weapons assaulted two Army trucks in Dhatyar Morh in the Poonch area on Thursday, killing four army personnel and injuring two more.

The incident has been claimed by the People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), which is apparently affiliated to Jaish-e-Mohammed. Terrorists used social media to post images of sophisticated US-made M4 carbine assault weapons from the attack scene.