Three Kashmiri army soldiers are being questioned for their links, if any, in the assassination of Rifleman Aurangzeb by the terrorists in June last year.
On June 14, 24-year-old rifleman Aurangzeb of 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) was abducted and killed in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district when he was en route home to celebrate Eid with his family. He was later awarded Shaurya Chakra, the third highest peacetime gallantry award.
Seven months on, three local army men are being questioned to unravel the mystery behind the killing of Rifleman Aurangzeb, sources said.
“My brother was picked up on July 4. We have been trying hard to meet him but to no avail. Families of other soldiers detained with him have been able to meet their kins”, said Tawseef Ahmad Wani, whose brother Abid Hussain Wani is among three jawans reportedly being questioned.
Tawseef said his family had spoken to Abid over the phone for few minutes some days ago. Tawseef, who has been admitted in the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital, claimed he was tortured by army personnel.
“He called us some days back and said he was alright. He said only this much and we wanted to meet him," he said.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday drove to SMHS hospital to inquire about the health of Tawseef.
Later, she urged the Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik and General Officer Commanding of army's 15 Corps to take note of this incident and question the officer as to why he allegedly tortured this youth.
“What kind of soldier is he? He commits atrocities and excesses against the youth of J&K. It is not bravery. You first summon a youth, beat him and injure him to the extent that he is at the verge of death. His brother is missing and there is no trace of him. I hope governor, army chief and corps commander will take notice of it”, she said.
Mehbooba said she would personally speak to Corps Commander and urge him to question the accused army officer for torturing Tawseef. “He is an orphan. Plus his brother is in the army. If the families of the army men are not safe, how can a common Kashmir feel secured”, she said.