Initiates action against CO of concerned unit; two more officers removed from their positions
Jammu: Following the killing of three civilians, allegedly in custody, the Army has removed a Brigadier rank officer and has initiated action against the CO of the concerned unit too.
Earlier, the Army following the three civilian killings in Army custody has ordered a thorough internal investigation into the deaths of three civilians in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir following allegations that they died in its custody, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday.
The three civilians were allegedly picked up by the Army for questioning in the wake of the killing of four Army soldiers in an ambush by unidentified terrorists in Poonch on December 21.
The three civilians, aged between 27 and 42, were found dead on December 22.
Their relatives and political leaders have alleged that the three died due to “custodial torture” as they were among the eight people picked up by the Army for questioning.
A thorough investigation has been ordered into it (the deaths of the civilians) as part of the standard operating procedure, the people cited above said.
The Jammu and Kashmir police are also probing the deaths.
Sources privy to the investigations said that Brigadier P Acharya, who served as the Commander of the 13 sector located in Rajouri’s Thanamandi area, has been removed from his position.
This decision comes as an internal inquiry is underway to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three civilians.
Meanwhile, the concerned Commanding Officer has got some relief as he was on leave when the unfortunate incident happened.
Arun Kumar, CO 48 RR, who was on leave, has been informed not to resume duty until further orders, sources said.
However, the sources said that a Colonel and a Lieutenant Colonel have been removed from their positions.
