Army probe into Poonch civilian killings indicates torture: report

The Army's internal inquiry, which was initiated after three civilians were allegedly tortured to death in Jammu & Kashmir's Poonch in December 2023, has found serious lapses in the conduct of 7-8 personnel at various levels.

The Indian Express reported, quoting sources, that the inquiry findings indicate the three civilians died of torture, allegedly during interrogation.

On December 21, four security personnel were killed in a militant ambush in Dhera ki Gali in Poonch.

The next morning the army rounded up eight civilians from Topa Pir village in the Bufliaz area of Poonch district and five people from the Thanamandi area of Rajouri district.

A video went viral showing the Army engaged in physical torture.

Of the eight picked from Topa Pir village, three succumbed to serious injuries from the alleged torture.

According to The Indian Express, the inquiry found operational lapses in the overall conduct as well as individual lapses of certain personnel. The initial findings suggested a lack of command and control and administrative lapses between the Brigade Commander of 13 Sector RR and the Commanding Officer (CO) of 48 Rashtra Rifles.

The inquiry has recommended administrative and disciplinary actions against two officers and other ranks who were directly or indirectly responsible for the interrogation, the report said.

It was found that the Brigade Commander was not physically present at the site and the CO was on leave. Though both officers were not directly involved in the wrongdoing administrative actions have been recommended against them, the IE said. Suitable disciplinary action against the Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) and other rank officers was recommended.

Disciplinary action in the military could mean a court martial and Punishment could include death penalty depending upon the severity of the offense. While Administrative action means departmental action. Administrative punishment includes loss of seniority, fine, censure, or termination.