Custodial death case shifted to Pulwama

SRINAGAR — In a significant development, the case of custodial death of a young school teacher in police custody has been shifted from Srinagar to Pulwama and the final report is expected within four weeks, top sources said on Wednesday.

“We have shifted the case to district administration Pulwama on the basis of police report,” Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said.

Confirming the development, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah said that he has appointed additional district magistrate Pulwama to conduct the probe into the death of Rizwan Pandit of Awantipora, who died in police custody.

“I have sought the report within four weeks from now,” the Deputy Commissioner Pulwama said.

Police had stated that Rizwan had been arrested in a militancy case and was being questioned but he died in custody. The custodial death triggered a wave of criticism from the Valley’s mainstream political parties.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah demanded “exemplary punishment” to the “killers” and also asked for a transparent and time-bound enquiry into the case.

People’s Democratic Party president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti alleged that Rizwan Pandit’s death was the result of the Union government’s “repressive” approach in the Valley.

Deceased Rizwan’s brother Mubashir Pandit said that, “It was the police that picked his brother. He was taken to Cargo where he was killed in a cold blood.”

The body finally arrived at the deceased’s house at 8 PM on Tuesday where thousands of people were waiting to have the last glimpse of Rizwan to participate in the funeral procession of young school principal.