Custodial death in Kupwara: three policemen arrested

Three police personnel were today arrested in connection with the alleged custodial death of a man in Kupwara district which led to massive protests in the north Kashmir district, police said.
"Police have arrested three cops after lodging an FIR in connection with the death of an arrested person who was accused in a murder case," a police spokesman said.
Those arrested, he said, include Munshi of Awoora police post Mohammad Hussain, selection grade constable Fayaz Ahmad and Constable Fayaz Ahmad.
Nazir Ahmad Mughal (32), who was arrested on February 8 in connection with a murder case, was found dead near a hospital in Kupwara district on February 11.

Police said Mughal, a resident of Gujjar Pati village of Zirhama, was shifted to district hospital Kupwara on Tuesday after he complained of chest pain.
However, he gave slip to cops in the hospital on the pretext of attending the nature's call after initial treatment by the doctors, the spokesman said.

His body was found near the compound wall of the district hospital on Wednesday, the spokesman said, adding that a magisterial inquest proceedings were initiated to ascertain the cause of his death.
Local residents did not buy the police version and staged massive demonstrations soon after the body was handed over to his next of kin for last rites, alleging that Mughal was tortured to death by the cops.

Thirteen policemen and two CRPF jawans were yesterday injured in clashes with an angry protestors in Kupwara.