The Indian Army initiated a Court of Inquiry after police filed a murder case against unknown persons over the death of three civilians picked up for questioning by the force following the death of four soldiers in a terrorist attack in Poonch recently, official sources said on Monday.
Police have registered a case under section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against unidentified accused army personnel, sources said.
A brigadier-level officer, in charge of the Surankote belt, was shifted and action is being taken against three officers of the 48 Rashtriya Rifles in connection with the incident that sparked widespread outrage.
At least four Army personnel died while three others were injured in a terrorist attack on two military vehicles in the Rajouri sector on December 21.
Terrorists had opened fire at vehicles when troops were moving to the operational site at the general area DKG (Dera ki Gali), Thanamandi. The attack took place at 3:45 PM in the Thanamandi area.
Following the attack, three civilians, aged between 27 and 42, were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning and they were found dead on December 22.
Video clips purportedly showing their torture surfaced on social media.
In a post shared on the microblogging site on X on December 23, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army said, “Search operations by the security forces are continuing in the area of operations after the incident of 21 Dec 23. Reports have been received regarding three civilian deaths in the area. The matter is under investigation. Indian Army stands committed to extending full support and cooperation in the conduct of investigations.”
“After the terror incident at DKG on December 21, army troops carried out searches in Topa Peer in buffliaz for the terrorists who escaped after the attack. During searches, Army troops detained a few local youths for questioning, reportedly three such youths namely Safeer Ahmad, Mohd Showkat and Shabir Ahmad succumbed to injuries. As such, a cognizable offence under section 302 IPC is made out. On this information, the instant case stands registered. As the instant case is special, a special report will be submitted separately as an investigation is taken up,” an official said quoting the FIR.
Mohd Sadiq, a relative of one of the deceased, claimed the three men were picked up by the troops accompanied by policemen Mohd Rafiq and Mohd Rashid along with their sources Jagi and Ganesh in full public view.
(With PTI inputs)
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