In a disturbing incident that has sparked political outrage and public concern, a 23-year-old youth from South Kashmir's Kulgam district was found dead in a local stream, days after he was allegedly taken into custody by the Indian Army. The incident has triggered calls for a judicial probe as serious allegations of custodial death emerge.
The deceased, identified as Imtiaz Ahmad Magray, a resident of Tangmarg village, had recently returned to Kashmir after working as a labourer outside the Union Territory. According to his family, Magray was picked up by the Army a few days ago. His body was recovered from a stream on Sunday morning under mysterious circumstances.
Family Alleges Custodial Killing
Magray’s family has strongly accused the Army of wrongful detention and custodial death. They stated that he was taken from his house and promised release, but days later, his lifeless body was discovered in the Veshaw Nalla stream. The family members insist that he was not involved in any illegal activities and demand a thorough investigation.
Political leaders from both the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have expressed outrage and extended support to the grieving family. Health and Education Minister and NC leader Sakina Itoo visited the family on Sunday and demanded a judicial inquiry into the death.
“This incident has created an environment of fear in Kashmir,” she said. “We are saddened by the Pahalgam attack, but innocent civilians should not become victims of arbitrary action by the authorities.”
PDP Demands Justice
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the incident, pointing out that this is not the first time a youth has died under suspicious circumstances after being picked up by security forces. She stated that the authorities must ensure accountability and not let justice be denied.
“This is another tragic loss, and the timing raises serious questions. If the youth was in Army custody and ends up dead, it must be probed without delay,” she stated. “Incidents like this damage trust between the people and institutions.”
Police Deny Custodial Killing Allegation
The Kashmir Police have issued a detailed statement denying any custodial misconduct. According to the police, Imtiaz Ahmad Magray had disclosed the location of a terrorist hideout in the Tangmarg forest and was assisting them during a cordon and search operation (CASO).
Police claim that while being escorted to the second suspected hideout, Magray suddenly jumped into the river in an alleged attempt to escape and possibly died by suicide. The area was being monitored via drone footage, they added.
“It is also learnt that the deceased was previously aware of a terrorist hideout in Tangmarg that was busted by security forces on April 23,” the police said in an official communication.
Heightened Security and Political Pressure
This incident comes shortly after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which has already heightened security in the region. Following the attack, there has been a notable increase in arrests, detentions, and surveillance across South Kashmir.
Political leaders are now urging the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to initiate a transparent judicial inquiry to determine whether there was any foul play involved in the death of Imtiaz Ahmad Magray. Local residents also gathered to protest, demanding answers and accountability.
Impact on Kashmir’s Fragile Peace
The tragic death of a young man under such circumstances is being viewed as a serious blow to efforts aimed at maintaining peace and stability in Kashmir. With the tourism season beginning, many fear that such incidents could lead to further alienation of the local population and disrupt normal life in the region.
The PDP and NC have called for an emergency session in the legislative assembly to discuss rising custodial deaths, human rights concerns, and the increasing number of civilian fatalities linked to security operations.
Call for Judicial Inquiry
The demand for a judicial probe is growing stronger, not only from the opposition but also from human rights organizations. Activists argue that any death in custody — regardless of the context — warrants an independent investigation to uphold democratic principles and rule of law.
As the situation develops, the administration is under pressure to release all footage, reports, and testimonies related to the case. The outcome of the probe will likely have far-reaching implications on public sentiment and the functioning of security forces in conflict-prone areas of Jammu and Kashmir.