A 23-year-old man, identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray, drowned in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district after jumping into a river while allegedly attempting to escape from security forces during a counter-terrorism operation.

Magray, who was accused of providing food and shelter to terrorists hiding in the forested areas of Kulgam’s Tangmarg, was picked up by the police on Saturday, according to sources. During interrogation, he admitted to having aided the terrorists and agreed to guide security personnel to their hideout, sources added.

Escape Captured on Camera

On Sunday morning, while accompanying a joint team of the army and police to the suspected location, Magray suddenly bolted and leapt into the Veshaw River. The entire sequence of events was caught on video from higher ground.

The footage shows Magray briefly scanning the surrounding forest before unexpectedly diving into the river. Despite trying to swim, the strong current carried him away, and he eventually drowned. There were no security personnel in his immediate vicinity at the time of his escape, the video revealed.

Security Forces Respond to Allegations

In the wake of the incident, some social media posts suggested wrongdoing by the security forces. However, officials have condemned the spread of misinformation and urged the public not to blame the forces for Magray’s death.

“The security forces should not be wrongly blamed for the man’s unfortunate death,” sources said, stressing that Magray’s actions were self-initiated and that no force or pressure was applied at the moment he jumped.

Political Reactions and Accusations of Foul Play

The incident drew sharp political reactions. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti raised suspicions over the circumstances of Magray’s death.

“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,” Ms Mufti stated in a post on X.

Previous Incidents of Local Support to Militants

Authorities noted that this is not the first time a local resident has been found helping terrorists with cross-border ties. In several past operations, individuals were caught offering logistics and support to militants hiding in difficult terrain.

The video evidence and ongoing investigation are expected to clarify the sequence of events that led to Magray’s death. Meanwhile, officials are urging the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions and to allow the probe to run its course.