SRINAGAR — On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir Police said that an accused in a narcotics case developed health issues while in custody and was subsequently brought dead to a local hospital in southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
A top police officer, quoted by the local news agency KDC, said, “Imtiaz Ahmed Pala, son of Gul Mohammed Pala, a resident of Lidermund Bra-Vandana, who was facing charges under FIR 42/2024 for violations of Section 8, 22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, was reported to have developed severe health complications during his detention at the Litter Police Station.”
The officer claimed that Pala’s condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting the police to shift him to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings have been initiated to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, the officer added.
However, Pala’s family vehemently disputes the police account, alleging that he was picked up and then ‘‘killed’’. They are demanding an impartial and thorough probe into the incident.
“We do not believe the police version of events. Imtiaz was healthy when he was taken Yesterday. We suspect foul play and demand a transparent investigation,” one of the cousin brothers of the slain said.
Imtiyaz, a mechanic by profession, leaves behind two daughters and a little boy, he said, adding that family members are waiting outside PCR Srinagar for the body.
Police officials have assured that an unbiased probe will be conducted. “We are committed to uncovering the truth. All necessary actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation,” the officer added.
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