The Principal District & Sessions Judge in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday granted bail to eight police officers accused in the high-profile custodial torture case of constable Khursheed Ahmad Chohan. The accused include Deputy SP Aijaz Ahmad, Sub-Inspector Riyaz Ahmad Mir, Special Police Officer Jahangeer Ahmad Beigh, and several constables, all arrested by the CBI in August.

The court ordered the accused to furnish personal and surety bonds of Rs 1 lakh each and restricted them from leaving the court’s territorial jurisdiction without prior permission. Those holding passports must deposit them with the court, and strict instructions were issued to prevent any interference with witnesses or tampering of evidence.

The case, investigated by the CBI under Supreme Court orders, revolves around the illegal detention and extreme custodial torture of constable Chohan at the Joint Interrogation Centre (JIC), Kupwara. The apex court had described the case as one of the most barbaric instances of police atrocity in India, highlighting complete mutilation of genitalia and torture methods including electric shocks and falanga.

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In a significant move for victim rights, the Supreme Court quashed a retaliatory FIR filed against Chohan under Section 309 IPC for “attempt to suicide” and directed the Union Territory of J&K to pay Rs 50 lakh as compensation, recoverable from the guilty officers. The court emphasized that the injuries were medically impossible to be self-inflicted, debunking state claims of suicide.

The judgment highlighted systemic failures and institutional impunity at the JIC, ordering the CBI to investigate broader issues within the police system. The court also underlined the need for reparations and accountability as a constitutional remedy in light of the grave violation of Article 21 of the Constitution.

This unprecedented case has drawn national attention due to its severity, with the court stressing that the accused must comply with bail conditions or risk cancellation. The case continues to expose deep-rooted issues in custodial accountability and the urgent need for institutional reforms in Jammu and Kashmir.

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