Kashmiri salesman's death sparks controversy
Zubair Ahmad Bhat, a 30-year-old trader from Kashmir, died in Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on June 2 under unclear circumstances. His family says he was tortured by Delhi Police for being Kashmiri, pointing to messages where Bhat claimed he'd been beaten. Police deny this, saying he was never arrested and that his injuries were self-inflicted, suggesting drug abuse.
Case has sparked protests across Kashmir
Police say they found Bhat injured in Lajpat Nagar on May 29 and took him to the hospital, adding that CCTV footage shows him moving freely before his injuries—contradicting his family's claims. Political leaders like Iltija Mufti have called for an investigation into possible police brutality and discrimination. The case has sparked protests and demands for accountability from Bhat's family, civil society groups, and human rights activists across Kashmir.