A 72-year-old ex-Armyman died here allegedly after he was thrashed by three policemen, triggering protests in the area, prompting Jammu and Kashmir government to order a probe and suspend a Sub-Inspector. Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Baseer Ahmad Khan ordered a magisterial enquiry, and directed SP, Kishtwar, to place Sub-Inspector Madan Lal under suspension in connection with the death of Raja Ram in Kishtwar district, officials said.
The ex-Armyman of Bungam Tagood in Chatroo belt of the district was five days ago taken to Dadpath police post for alleged delay in de-boarding from a vehicle in which he was travelling from Kishtwar to his home, and he was allegedly assaulted by a Police Sub-Inspector and two constables, the officials said.
The death of Ram irked the people of the area who brought his dead body to Dadpath police post and held a protest, blocking vehicular movement on Kishtwar-Chatroo road for several hours, demanding suspension of erring police officials and lodging of FIR against them, they said.
Additional Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, along with other police officers, reached the spot and tried to pacify the people, they said. Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Baseer Ahmad Khan then ordered magisterial enquiry and directed SP, Kishtwar, to place Sub-Inspector Madan Lal under suspension.Meanwhile MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori at Jammu also met with pisional Commissioner Jammu Shantmanu and demanded necessary action against the erring police officials, besides also demanded registration of FIR against them to meet the ends of justice.He also shows his resentment with pisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar over the death of innocent senior citizen in wake of police atrocities.
Both the senior officers assured stern action against the erring police personals in case they were found guilty of committing the heinous crime.After assurance from District Administration and request made by MLA Inderwal G M Saroori, the protestor called off the protest. After autopsy of the deceased, administration handed over the dead body to family members for last rites.
SP Kishtwar place Sub Inspector under suspension and has also order inquest proceedings U/S 174 Cr.PC. The accuse police officer during preliminary enquiry before the seniors denied all the allegations leveled against him. He also informed the senior that police has also filed "Estagasa" U/S 107 RPC against the deceased before the magistrate for disrupting the police officer from performing his duty.It is pertinent to mention that the accuse Sub Inspector was earlier accused off demanding money from the family of 23 year old Tanbeer Singh who disappeared mysteriously from a marriage party almost two years ago and is yet to be recovered.Family members of Tanbeer Singh suspect that their son might be murdered and accuses the police officer off shielding the culprits and allowed them roam freely.