The body of a 22-year-old Kashmiri youth was recovered by residents of a village in Kulgam district on Sunday, triggering widespread outrage and serious allegations of custodial abuse.
The deceased, identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray, was reportedly picked up by security forces for questioning two days ago, following the recent horrific attack in Pahalgam.
Local residents claim Magray was taken into custody by the Indian Army, and his lifeless body was later found in a stream, sparking fears of custodial torture and extrajudicial killing.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed grave concern over the incident. “Yet another body has been recovered from a river in Kulgam raising serious allegations of foul play,” she said in a statement.
“Local residents allege that Imtiyaz Magray was picked up by the army two days ago and now mysteriously his body has surfaced in the river.”
She linked the incident to a larger pattern of repression and collective punishment in the valley following the deadly Pahalgam attack. “The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam appears to be a calculated attempt to derail the fragile peace, disrupt tourism in Kashmir and undermine communal harmony across the country. If a single act of violence can shake the entire system—triggering arbitrary arrests, home demolitions, and the targeting of innocent civilians—then the perpetrators have already achieved their objective.”
Mufti further called for an impartial probe, citing a “deeply troubling” trend. “Allegations of misconduct, whether in the Bandipora encounter or in this latest incident in Kulgam, are deeply troubling and warrant a thorough impartial investigation.”
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Member of Parliament from Srinagar, echoed similar concerns. “I am deeply worried by the recovery of 22-year-old Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray’s body from a stream in Kulgam. According to credible reports, Imtiyaz was picked up by the Security Forces days ago, and today, he was returned to his family lifeless,” Mehdi said.
He connected the case to other recent killings in Kupwara and Baramulla districts. “This follows disturbing allegations by family members of those who were recently killed in Kupwara and Baramulla, raising serious questions about the pattern of abuse. Kashmiris cannot be treated as collateral damage in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.”
Mehdi condemned what he termed a growing trend of collective punishment and violations of due process.
“Arbitrary detentions, custodial killings, and torture are violations of every democratic and legal principle. Counterterrorism is increasingly getting reflected as collective punishment.”
He emphasized the importance of justice and accountability.
“The family’s demands for a swift, independent investigation into Imtiyaz’s death, and full accountability for all involved must be upheld. We cannot allow a culture of impunity to destroy what little trust remains.”
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Army or local police regarding the allegations. The incident has intensified calls for transparent investigations into all recent cases involving civilian deaths under security custody.
