Custodial Cruelty: A Tale of Torture in Kashmir

The CBI is seeking police remand for eight Jammu and Kashmir Police officers involved in the inhumane custodial torture of Constable Khursheed Ahmad Chohan. The Supreme Court, after a chilling petition, ordered a CBI probe, compensation for Khursheed, and outlined severe systemic failures. Further investigation and accountability are underway.

The CBI is moving to secure the police remand of eight Jammu and Kashmir Police officers from the Srinagar Special Court. These officers stand accused of subjecting a fellow constable, Khursheed Ahmad Chohan, to severe custodial torture two years ago.

After extensive questioning, the central agency plans further interrogations to determine each officer's role in the alleged abuse of Constable Chohan. This includes Deputy Superintendent of Police Aijaz Ahmad Naiko and five others who were stationed at the Kupwara Joint Interrogation Centre, as identified in the FIR.

The Supreme Court condemned the custodial torture and ordered a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to Chohan. The court noted the rigorous failure by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to protect citizens' rights. It emphasized a need for systemic investigation at the Kupwara facility to uncover deeper issues in handling detainees.