Srinagar, Nov 18: The CBI investigation into the alleged custodial torture of J&K Police constable Khursheed Ahmed Chowhan has confirmed that the injuries he sustained at the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC) in Kupwara were genuine and “consistent with beating or torture” aimed at extracting a confession.
In its report submitted to the Special Court in Srinagar, the CBI chargesheeted Deputy SP Ajaz Ahmad, SI Reyaz Ahmad Mir, SPO Jahangeer Ahmad Beigh, and five other police personnel — Tanveer Ahmad Malla, Mohd Younis Khan, Shakir Ahmed, Altaf Hussain Bhat, and Shahnawaz Ahmad Deedad. All eight accused were arrested on August 20 and remain in judicial custody.
A key testimony by SI Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh, then posted at Police Post Drugmulla, has become central evidence. Sheikh twice visited the JIC on February 23 and 25, 2023, to check on Chowhan, who had been brought there on February 20. He described seeing Chowhan trembling, barely able to stand, and visibly injured — observations that supported the torture allegations.
Medical reports from multiple hospitals — including GMC Baramulla, SKIMS Soura, and the Bone and Joint Hospital Barzulla — documented a fractured left foot, extensive bruising, abrasions, swelling in both eyes, and severe injuries across the thighs, buttocks, feet, and palms. CCTV footage showing Chowhan limping further strengthened the case.
A Multi-Institutional Medical Board of senior Delhi doctors concluded the injuries “were not self-inflicted” and resulted from blunt force trauma. The presence of anal fissures and foreign bodies also pointed to custodial torture. The board, however, did not find conclusive evidence supporting Chowhan’s allegations of genital injuries or an abdominal assault on February 26.
The CBI said there was “no credible or prosecutable evidence” to prove the accused caused injuries to his private parts, but confirmed the remaining injuries aligned with the period of his confinement at JIC Kupwara. (Agencies)
