Video of man tied to jeep as 'human shield' in restive Kashmir

The man, who was seen tied to an army jeep in a shocking video shot during the poll-day violence in Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency on April 9, apparently as a shield against stone-pelting protesters, has been identified as Farooq Dar.
Officials investigating the matter under instructions from Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said Dar is a resident of Sitaharaan village in Khag tehsil of Budgam district in central Kashmir and the army unit involved is 53 Rashtriya Rifles.
The video, which triggered a public outcry in the restive Kashmir valley, prompted the civil and army authorities to launch separate investigations.
During the investigation, Dar was claimed to have said he was picked up when he was on way to his sister's house, where a bereavement had occurred, after casting his vote.

He alleged he was picked up by an army contingent that wanted to enter Beerwah village with the polling staff and tied with ropes to the front of the vehicle, officials said.
The video showed the thickset man sporting a beard strapped to the bonnet while seated on the stepney affixed to the bumper of the jeep. Dar claimed he was moved around 10-12 villages at the head of the convoy, which included vehicles with security personnel and polling staff, before being let off.
Sources in the army claimed Dar was picked up from a "trouble spot" and was tied up for barely 100 metres before being released.