Kupwara Court Clears DSP in Custodial Torture Case, Orders Trial for Seven Others

A local court in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district has discharged a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in a high-profile custodial torture case but ordered the trial of seven other accused individuals. The ruling was made by the Court of Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kupwara, presided over by Manjeet Singh Manhas, following a case initiated by the CBI. The case involves the alleged torture of policeman Khurshid Ahmad Chohan in February 2023.

The DSP, Aijaz Ahmad Naik, was cleared of charges based on the lack of prima facie evidence. The court noted that no substantial material linked Naik to the alleged acts of torture or suggested his involvement in a conspiracy with other accused parties. The court emphasized that moving forward with charges against Naik without evidence would violate established legal principles.

However, the court found sufficient grounds to proceed against the seven other accused, including Sub-Inspector Riyaz Ahmad Mir and others. Charges will be framed against them for their active involvement in the alleged custodial torture, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. The Supreme Court had previously ordered a CBI inquiry into this serious case.

(With inputs from agencies.)