The body of 22-year-old Imtiyaz Ahmed Magre was discovered in the Vishaw Nala river in Kulgam district on May 4, 2025, sparking political tensions and heated debate. While security forces have labeled his death a suicide, Magre’s family insists it was a case of custodial murder, demanding justice.
Background of the Incident
Imtiyaz Magre, a daily wage laborer from Kulgam, was reportedly detained by the security forces after the April 22 Pahalgam attack. According to officials, Magre was allegedly an overground worker aiding militants by providing food and shelter. He was taken into custody on May 2, and during his questioning, he provided information about militant hideouts in the Tanganmarg forest.
On the morning of May 4, during a search operation (Cordon and Search Operation – CASO), Magre was being escorted by security forces to a militant hideout when he allegedly jumped into the river, as captured by a drone video. The video, which surfaced on social media, shows Magre running towards the river and jumping into the strong current. The authorities are calling it a suicide, maintaining that they are not at fault.
Family and Local Allegations
However, Magre’s family and local residents have contested the police version, accusing the forces of deliberately causing his death. They assert that Magre, a poor laborer with no connections to terrorism, was unjustly detained. The family claimed they were assured of his release at an army camp, only to be notified of his death the following morning.
Political Repercussions and Calls for an Inquiry
The incident has caused an uproar in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed concerns over the troubling nature of the event, calling for a fair investigation. She warned that the ongoing collective punishment policies could harm the region’s peace and tourism. NC minister Sakina Ittoo visited Magre’s family, emphasizing that he was a poor laborer with no criminal record and demanded a judicial inquiry into the case.
Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi referred to the incident as a human rights violation, alleging that Kashmiri civilians are being targeted under the guise of anti-terrorism operations. He claimed the death highlighted a bigger issue of unchecked actions in Kashmir. People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone also called for a thorough investigation into the family’s allegations.
Jammu & Kashmir Government Orders Judicial Inquiry
In response to the growing controversy, the Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a judicial investigation into the case. The police have also initiated an inquiry to determine the cause of Magre’s death. However, with drone footage raising further questions, locals and the family continue to suspect that the death could have been a result of custodial torture. The investigation now faces the challenge of uncovering the truth behind this politically charged incident.
Growing Distrust Between Security Forces and Locals
Following the Pahalgam attack, local political parties had already raised concerns about the methods used by security forces to apprehend militants. Now, the death of Imtiyaz Magre has deepened the mistrust between the local community and the security forces, further complicating the situation in the region.