Imtiaz Ahmad Magray jumped into the Veshaw River in Kulgam while leading forces to a terror hideout; security forces refute allegations of foul play
Kulgam (J&K), May 4, 2025:
A 23-year-old man, Imtiaz Ahmad Magray, who allegedly provided food and shelter to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district, drowned on Sunday after jumping into the Veshaw River while trying to escape security forces during an operation.
A video of the incident, captured from a higher vantage point, showed Magray scanning the forested area before abruptly leaping into the river. Despite attempts to swim across, the strong current swept him away, and he drowned moments later. His body was later recovered.
🔍 Background of the Incident
Magray had been picked up by the police a day earlier. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to aiding terrorists hiding in the Tangmarg forest and agreed to accompany a joint police-army team to their hideout.
However, as the team approached the location on Sunday morning, Magray unexpectedly fled and jumped into the river. There was no physical contact with security personnel at the time of his escape, sources emphasized.
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⚠️ Security Forces Respond to Allegations
The security establishment strongly refuted social media claims suggesting foul play. Officials stated that misinformation is being spread and warned against wrongful blame being directed at the forces.
“This was an unfortunate incident, but there was no coercion involved at the time of the escape,” said a senior official familiar with the operation.
⚖️ Political Reaction
Former J&K Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti raised questions over the circumstances of Magray’s death, calling it suspicious.
“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,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).
🚨 Broader Context
This is not the first time a civilian has been accused of aiding terrorists in the region. The incident comes amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed.
🏷️ Tags:
Jammu and Kashmir, Kulgam News, Terrorist Hideout Kulgam, Imtiaz Magray Death, Mehbooba Mufti News, Army Operation J&K, Veshaw River Incident, Kashmir Security Forces