J-K: Suspected LeT member’s body found from Kulgam stream, family alleges custodial death

The body of Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray was fished out from the Adbal stream in the Aharbal area of the district on Sunday (May 4) morning. Residents allege that Imtiyaz was picked by security forces for questioning in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference Lok Sabha member Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Ittoo said there were serious allegations of foul play in the death of Imtiyaz.

Also read: Pahalgam attack: Congress will back any action by Centre, says Priyanka Gandhi

Youth tried to escape custody: Police

Police, however, claim that Imtiyaz, who “confessed” to being an overground worker (OGW) for terrorists, had tried to escape while leading security forces to a hideout in a forest area. Police said he had jumped into the stream to flee and had drowned.

He was reportedly detained on suspicion of being a member of a Lashkar-e-Taiba sleeper cell.

A drone footage, which surfaced hours after Magray's body was recovered, showed a youth jumping into the gushing Adbal stream and getting washed away.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and launched an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of death, officials said.

Call for judicial probe

While Imiyaz’s parents have called it a custodial death, the issue has sparked widespread in the region with major political parties calling for a probe and asserting that Kashmiris cannot be used as “collateral damage” for the Pahalgam attack.

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Sakina Ittoo has called for a judicial probe into the death, claiming there was nothing against the deceased in police records.

“There should be a judicial probe (into Magray’s death) so that the truth comes out,” she said.

“The Pahalgam attack was very sad and unfortunate. We all are aggrieved by it. However, an atmosphere of fear has been created. I request the lieutenant governor (Manoj SInha) that instructions be given to the home department to ensure that innocent people are not harassed and harmed,” Ittoo added.

‘Kashmiris can’t be treated as collateral’

In a press release, National Conference MP Mehdi said he was deeply worried by the recovery of Magray's body.

"According to credible reports, Magray was picked up by security forces days ago, and today he was returned to his family lifeless. Kashmiris cannot be treated as collateral damage in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. Arbitrary detention, custodial killings and torture are violations of every democratic and legal principle," Mehdi said.

Watch: Najeeb Jung exclusive: Why is Indian Muslims’ patriotism being tested post-Pahalgam?

The Lok Sabha member from Srinagar also said that the family's demand for a swift and independent investigation into Magray's death and full accountability for all those involved must be upheld.

"We cannot allow a culture of impunity to destroy what little trust remains," he added.

‘Deeply troubling’, says Mehbooba

In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti said, “Yet another body has been recovered from a river in Kulgam, raising serious allegations of foul play. Local residents allege that Imtiyaz Magray was picked up by the army two days ago and now his body has surfaced mysteriously in the river."

The former chief minister also said the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 people on April 22, appeared to be a “calculated attempt” to derail the “fragile” peace and 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, the perpetrators have already achieved their objective,” she claimed.

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Calling for an impartial probe into Magray's death, Mufti said, "Allegations of misconduct – be it the Bandipora encounter or this latest incident in Kulgam – are deeply troubling and warrant a thorough impartial investigation."