Early Times Report
Srinagar, Aug 4: In case of alleged custodial killing of a 40-year-old man from Doda, the Chief Judicial Magistrate Kishtwar has directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Doda/Kishtwar/Ramban range to investigate the matter.
Javed Ahmed Malik, son of Mohammad Khalil Malik, a resident of Baharat, Doda, died allegedly in police custody in Chatroo tehsil on 20-7-2018, according to his relatives.
The CJM asked the DIG to submit a detailed investigation report in the court within six weeks. The next date of hearing is on 18-9-2018.
Javed's family in their application before the CJM Kishtwar have identified the accused cops as: Mohammad Bashir, I/C PS Chatroo, Jaffer Hussain, Mohammad Amin, Mohammad Sharief, SSP Kishtwar Abrar Chowdhary and two unidentified cops.
The counsel of the complainant stated that Javed was going to Jammu for purchasing some items for his shop and was carrying a cash of Rs. 115000 with him. When he reached Doda he came to know that his neighbours have been taken into custody by the police at Chatroo.
He stated that Javed after knowing this came to Kishtwar and filed the bail application before the court on 19-07-2018 afternoon. Javed got an application from Kishtwar court to get the report from the police station in charge and when he asked for the report, the accused cops got annoyed and took deceased Javed and Mohammad Yaqoob into custody and demanded bribe from them which he Javed refused.
The counsel stated that after half an hour, Yaqoob was released and was threatened that he will also be arrested if he will not leave the place. He stated that despite repeated requests by Yaqoob, Javed was not released and on mid night of 19/20-07-2018 it was learnt that Javed had been murdered in custody.
The counsel alleges that the amount of Rs 115000 which Javed was carrying with him was also taken by the police during the torture.
Following the death of the deceased, the public of the Chatroo held the protest added that the accused in order to save themselves claimed that the deceased died after fleeing from the custody of the police, though the deceased was a handicapped in both legs.
Following the massive outrage and public anger, two cops were placed under suspension while the SHO concerned was attached.
"As the allegations in this case are very heinous and serious in nature that too against the responsible police officers.
Therefore, this court before exercising powers under section 156(3) Cr. Pc thinks it fit to direct an inquiry to be made by some superior officer," the court observed. |
