Jammu, Dec 25: The Indian Army has ordered a court of inquiry to look into the death of three civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch, allegedly in Army custody.
Five others who had been picked up and allegedly tortured are undergoing treatment for serious injuries. Videos circulating appears to show the extent of brutality to which some of the men were subjected. The men belong to the Gujjar-Bakarwal community, a Scheduled Tribe.
The Indian Express has reported that the Army’s internal probe will be conducted by a separate formation based in Akhnoor – part of the Nagrota-based XVI Corps, responsible for areas south of the Pir Panjal range. The probe will include other agencies like the Jammu and Kashmir Police to ensure impartiality, the report says.
The inquiry is likely to be completed in 72 hours.
While this inquiry is pending, The Tribune reports that the Army has shifted three senior officers – a Brigadier stationed in Rajouri, a Colonel and a Lieutenant Colonel.
The questioning was allegedly prompted by the killing of four Armymen in an ambush.
The J&K administration has not specified the cause of their deaths, but has said legal action had been initiated and compensation announced.
Army orders court of inquiry into Civilians’ custodial deaths, 3 senior officers shifted
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