Investigation demanded after brothers' deaths in Kulgam

Two young brothers were recently found dead in the Veshu River in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Their disappearance had raised concerns and sparked protests among their family and community. Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo visited the family on Tuesday, expressing condolences and calling for a thorough investigation. Itoo, along with the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary, assured the family that they would receive support during this difficult time. She emphasized the need for a detailed inquiry into the deaths, noting the significant loss to the family, which comes from Rajouri. Chowdhary had earlier announced plans for a judicial inquiry into the brothers' deaths. He promised the family relief and stressed that the truth must come to light. However, Itoo pointed out that the home department and police are not under the direct control of the Chief Minister, so an inquiry cannot be ordered by him. The two brothers, Riyaz Ahmad Bajad and Mohammad Showkat Bajad, along with a third youth named Mukhtar Ahmad, had gone missing while traveling to a family function. Their families reported them missing to the police a month ago. Community members have held protests, accusing police of using excessive force against them. The police have acknowledged the public's concerns and announced that the South Kashmir DIG will investigate the case and report findings within ten days. There is also scrutiny over a police officer's conduct during the protests, as a video surfaced on social media. Many leaders, including PDP member Waheed ur Rehman Parra, have called for high-level investigations into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the deaths.