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Following an internal inquiry by the Army into the deaths of three civilians in Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir, allegedly due to torture during interrogation in December 2023, serious lapses in the conduct of 7-8 personnel at various levels have been found.

The findings of the inquiry, as reported by The Indian Express, indicate that the three civilians succumbed to injuries sustained from alleged torture during interrogation. The incident occurred following a terrorist ambush on December 21, which resulted in the deaths of four security personnel in Dhera ki Gali, Poonch.

The next morning saw the army detaining eight civilians from Topa Pir village in the Bufliaz area of Poonch district, as well as five individuals from the Thanamandi area of Rajouri district. A video showing the Army resorting to physical torture surfaced online.

Three of the individuals picked up from Topa Pir village later succumbed to severe injuries allegedly inflicted during their interrogation.

The inquiry, highlighting operational lapses and individual failings, particularly underscored a lack of command and control, along with administrative shortcomings between the Brigade Commander of 13 Sector RR and the Commanding Officer (CO) of 48 Rashtra Rifles.

Administrative and disciplinary actions have been recommended against two officers and other personnel directly or indirectly involved in the interrogation. Although the Brigade Commander and CO were not physically present during the incident, administrative actions have been recommended against them. Disciplinary measures have been advised for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO) and other rank officers involved.

In the military context, disciplinary action, which could entail a court martial, carries severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty depending on the gravity of the offense. Administrative action, on the other hand, encompasses departmental measures such as loss of seniority, fines, censure, or termination.