CBI arrests two more policemen in 2023 Kupwara custodial torture case

SRINAGAR — The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday arrested two more policemen, taking the total number of arrests to eight, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, in connection with the alleged custodial torture of constable Khursheed Ahmad Chohan in Kupwara in 2023, officials said.

The CBI had yesterday arrested DSP Aijaz Ahmad, Sub-Inspector Riyaz Ahmad, and four other cops in the case.

“During the investigation, the roles of two more policemen surfaced and they were formally arrested in the case,” an official said.

The eight accused were produced before a local court for remand.

The arrests of the eight took place nearly four weeks after the CBI registered an FIR on the directions of the Supreme Court. The FIR against the accused invoked charges of criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means, and wrongful confinement for more than three days.

Constable Khursheed Chohan, who was then posted at District Police Headquarters, Baramulla, was summoned by police to report at the SSP Kupwara’s office on February 20, 2023, regarding an inquiry into a narcotics case. However, Chohan was allegedly detained without legal sanction and subjected to brutal custodial torture for six consecutive days.

Due to the severity of his injuries, Chohan was admitted to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, on February 26, 2023.

Chohan had earlier approached J&K High Court seeking registration of FIR, but his plea dismissed, prompting him to move the apex court.

In its directive, the Supreme Court on July 21 had handed over the investigation of the case to CBI and ordered it to ensure that police personnel found responsible for the custodial torture of Khursheed are arrested “forthwith and not later than a period of one month” from July 22.

Furthermore, the apex court had set a deadline of 90 days for the CBI to complete the investigation from the date of FIR registration.