On SC order, CBI arrests DSP, 5 other J&K cops for ‘custodial torture’ of colleague

Officials said a SIT headed by DSP Subash Chander called the accused policemen for questioning and arrested them. “The arrested cops have been kept in a Srinagar jail for now,” an official said. The cops have been booked for attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, wrongful confinement and voluntarily causing hurt.

On July 21, the SC had handed over the investigation of the case to the CBI and ordered it to ensure that police personnel responsible for the custodial torture of Chouhan are arrested “forthwith and not later than a period of one month”. Furthermore, the apex court had set a deadline of 90 days for the CBI to complete the investigation from the date of FIR registration.

Terming the alleged custodial torture “deeply shocking” to its “conscience”, the SC had ordered a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to Chouhan. It also asked the CBI to “conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the systemic issues at the Joint Interrogation Centre, Kupwara”, including examination of all CCTV systems, interrogation of all personnel present during the relevant period, forensic examination of the premises, and review of all protocols and procedures followed for detention and interrogation of suspects”.

The alleged incident occurred in February 2023, when Chouhan was summoned to report at the Kupwara SSP office in connection with a narcotics issue. When he reached there, he was detained and allegedly tortured.

Chouhan was admitted to the Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar with severe injuries. Chouhan’s wife approached the J&K High Court seeking registration of a case against the policemen involved in the alleged torture of her husband. However, her plea was dismissed, prompting her to move the SC.

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