Protests hit the Natipora area of Srinagar on Saturday evening after a youth allegedly died in Police custody, a claim denied by Jammu Kashmir Police.
The Jammu Kashmir Police said that during questioning of the youth in a case, his health deteriorated after which he was handed over to the family, who took him to the hospital where he passed away.
Speaking to The Kashmiriyat a family member of the deceased, Muslim Ahmed Lone said that he was taken by some unknown people without informing the family of the reasons.
“They came inside the house and introduced themselves as police officials. We are not sure if they were Policemen. We do not know why he was taken,” a cousin of Muneer said.
The body, as per the cousin, was handed over to the family around 4 PM. They came with some documents and asked his mother to sign the document.
“We do not know what was written in that document. The mother just signed it. Then the men gave her rupees 400. Then, some five to six policemen came in a sumo vehicle and dropped him (Muslim) at the gate of the house and laid him there.”
As soon as the news spread, locals took to the streets to demand an investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the Jammu Kashmir Police issued a statement in which they said that the Police Station Nowgam had summoned Muslim Muneer Lone Son of Late Muneer Lone, a resident of Butshah Colony, Natipora.
“Muslim was called regarding a case FIR no. 95/22 u/s 397 IPC. During questioning the health condition of the individual got worse and the PS Nawgam handed him over to his family members and the family members took him to the hospital where he died,” Police said.
SSP Srinagar Rakesh Balwal told local news agency GNS that proceedings under 174 CrPC have started. He said legal and departmental action would be taken if any foul play comes to fore. He said that family was not cooperating for postmortem examination.
The top officer said that he was called for examination at 10 am and was let off after being properly handing over to family in about 2-3 hours after being questioned in connection with a theft case (FIR No. 95/22 u/s 397 IPC). The deceased, he said, had history of drug abuse as well.