Srinagar, June 08: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Member of the Parliament (elect) from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday sought an impartial inquiry into an alleged custodial death of a youth in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
In a statement issued here, Ruhullah condemned the “police excesses” and demanded an impartial probe into the circumstances leading to the death of Imtiyaz and grave injury to another in police custody.
“Imtiaz Ahmed, an accused in a narcotics case from Pulwama has allegedly died in police custody while another is battling for his life at Base Hospital in Badami Bagh. Imtiaz’s family claims he suffered grievous injuries during interrogation. An impartial probe must be initiated to ascertain the circumstances leading to Imtiyaz’s death,” he said.
Mehdi added, “It’s important to work within the bounds of law while dealing with the public and suspects. The intrinsic rights of every person to life, liberty, and dignity are unquestionably recognised by the court. It emphasises how gravely these fundamental rights are violated when people die while they are being held captive.”
He said the case draws attention to this problem and highlights the pressing need to protect human rights, especially in the context of interactions between law enforcement and people in detention.
“The pursuit of justice and the defence of human rights continue to be hampered by the distressing reality of custodial deaths,” the NC leader said.
“The absence of systemic accountability and transparency is one of the main causes of police brutality and deaths in custody. Due to a lack of adequate systems for investigation, monitoring, and holding accountable, instances of police misconduct and abuse frequently go unreported and unpunished. I hope justice doesn’t become a casualty in this case,” he said, seeking a remedy to redress such transgressions.