Did CBI File an Attempt to Murder Case Against J&K DSP and Five Others for Alleged Torture?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CBI actions: The CBI has initiated a serious investigation into police misconduct.
- Systemic issues: The case highlights potential systemic issues within the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
- Human rights concerns: The allegations raise significant human rights concerns regarding treatment in custody.
- Legal implications: The charges filed carry serious legal consequences under the IPC.
- Public accountability: This case emphasizes the need for accountability in law enforcement.
New Delhi, July 28 (NationPress) In an ongoing investigation into the alleged custodial torture of a Jammu and Kashmir Police constable, the CBI has filed a case of attempted murder and wrongful confinement against his colleagues, including the Deputy Superintendent of Police from Kupwara, along with five others, as confirmed by an official on Monday.
Khurshid Ahmed Chohan, stationed at the District Police Headquarters in Baramulla, reportedly endured custodial violence and illegal detention from February 20 to February 26, 2023.
The CBI initiated charges of attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, and various forms of causing bodily harm against the six police personnel on July 26.
On July 21, a Supreme Court bench led by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta instructed the CBI to register a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused and awarded Chohan a compensation of Rs 50 lakh.
The apex court also ordered the CBI to investigate systemic issues at the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) in Kupwara, where Chohan allegedly faced torture for six days.
Those named in the CBI's FIR include DSP Aijaz Ahmad Naiko, along with Riyaz Ahmad, Jahangir Ahmad, Imtiyaz Ahmad, Mohammed Younis, and Shakir Ahmad.
Chohan claimed he was tortured after being called to the SSP office in Kupwara for an inquiry related to a narcotics case.
The case escalated after a complaint from Chohan’s wife, who requested an investigation into her husband’s tormentors and the cancellation of a suicide attempt case filed against him.
During the preliminary inquiry into the allegations of torture, the CBI considered Chohan's medical report, which was compiled after he was admitted to the hospital post-detention.
“The medical records from SKIMS Hospital, Soura-Srinagar, detail injuries that include complete mutilation of genitalia with both testicles removed, laceration on the scrotum, tenderness on palms and feet, bruises on buttocks extending to thighs, multiple vegetative particles in the rectum, and fractures throughout the body,” stated the CBI FIR.
The federal agency indicated that the evidence, prima facie, constitutes offenses punishable under sections 120-B, 307, 323, 325, 326, and 343 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) by Aijaz Ahmad Naiko, Deputy Superintendent of Police from Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, along with his associates.
“Consequently, a Regular Case (RC) has been registered at the CBI, New Delhi, which has been assigned to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for further investigation,” concluded the FIR.