Caught on Video: Man Accused of Aiding Terrorists Drowns While Fleeing Security Forces

A 23-year-old man from Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district drowned in the Veshaw River while trying to flee from security forces on Sunday. Identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray , the man had reportedly confessed to providing food and shelter to terrorists hiding in the Tangmarg forest area.

According to security sources, Magray was detained on Saturday. During interrogation, he revealed details about the terrorists he was supporting and agreed to guide a joint team of police and army personnel to their hideout.

However, during the operation on Sunday morning, as the team approached the location, Magray suddenly bolted and jumped into the fast-flowing Veshaw River. A video recorded from a vantage point shows him scanning the area before leaping into the rocky stream. He was seen attempting to swim but was quickly overpowered by the strong current and swept away. The incident was captured entirely on camera.

Security officials have dismissed allegations of foul play, emphasizing that no one was near Magray when he attempted to escape. They also condemned the spread of misinformation that could wrongly implicate the security forces in the incident.

Despite these clarifications, the episode has sparked political controversy. Former Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti raised concerns on social media, "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," said in a post on X.

Authorities note that this is not the first instance of local support to terrorists, underscoring ongoing challenges in curbing cross-border militant networks in the region.