A 23-year-old man accused of aiding terrorists drowned in the Veshaw River on Sunday morning after attempting to flee from security forces during an operation in Kulgam district. The man, identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray, reportedly jumped into the river while guiding a joint police and army team to a terrorist hideout.

According to official sources, Magray had confessed during questioning that he had provided food and logistical support to terrorists hiding in the forested Tangmarg area of Kulgam. Acting on his statement, a joint team of police and army personnel began a search operation early Sunday, with Magray accompanying them.

However, in a video from a higher vantage point, Magray was seen scanning the forested surroundings before leaping into the rocky river. Though he tried to swim, he was swept away by the strong current and drowned. No one was in close proximity to him when he made the escape attempt, sources said.

Watch video: 

Security forces have responded to the incident, condemning what they describe as attempts to spread misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding Magray's death. 

“The unfortunate death of the accused should not be used to wrongly target the security forces, who were following due process,” a senior official stated.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti raised serious concerns, alleging possible foul play. 

“Yet another body has been recovered from a river in Kulgam, raising serious allegations of foul play. Local residents allege that Imtiyaz Magray was picked up by the army two days ago, and now, mysteriously, his body has surfaced in the river,” Mufti posted on X.

The video of the incident, which has been widely circulated online, adds a new layer to the narrative, capturing Magray’s escape and subsequent drowning.

This isn’t the first time a local has been caught assisting terrorists with cross-border linkages. Officials reiterate that efforts are ongoing to crack down on such support networks, which continue to pose a major threat to peace and stability in the region.

 

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