October 5, 2025

A dramatic courtroom decision rippled through Jammu and Kashmir this Saturday as the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Srinagar, Aadil Mushtaq Ahmad, firmly denied bail to eight police officers. These men stand accused in a chilling case involving custodial torture of a police constable two years ago. The accused include big names like Deputy Superintendent of Police Aijaz Ahmad Naik and Inspector Riyaz Ahmad Mir, along with officers Tanveer Ahmad Malla, Altaf Hussain Bhat, Mohammad Younis Khan, Shakir Hussain Khoja, Shahnawaz Ahmad Deedad, and Jehangir Ahmad Beigh. Their bail applications were swiftly turned down in one strong, clear order. Why such strict action? The case, registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), probes horrifying allegations of illegal confinement and severe physical harm caused to constable Khursheed Ahmed Chowhan. This happened inside the Joint Interrogation Centre in Kupwara back in February 2023. The judge's words cut deep: "The court is of the considered opinion that none of the three applications disclose any exceptional circumstance warranting departure from the settled principle that bail is not to be granted in serious custodial violence cases at the investigative stage." It means the court sees no reason to give these accused cops freedom while the investigation is on. Further pointing out the gravity of the matter, the judge emphasized that this is a sessions-triable and non-bailable offense which can carry heavy punishment. Also, allowing bail now could risk meddling with the ongoing probe. "Custodial supervision remains necessary to prevent interference and intimidation," the court declared. This strong decision came after the Supreme Court ordered the arrests and investigations. It sends a powerful message that custodial violence will not be tolerated and justice must pave the way for fairness and accountability. Stay tuned for more updates on this gripping case as it unfolds in the heart of J-K.

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Tags: Custodial torture, Cbi, Jammu and kashmir, Police bail rejected, Supreme court orders, Court judgment,