Ramban: The body of a 22-year-old man who had gone missing in Jammu’s Ramban district after an alleged assault by cow vigilantes was recovered from a stream on Saturday, ending a three-week search and contradicting claims by right-wing activists that he had gone into hiding.
Tanveer Ahmad Chopan had been missing since April 12, when he was reportedly chased and attacked. He is believed to have jumped into a river while trying to escape.
Police said the body was found near Kraalna Digdool in Ramban. As news spread, hundreds of people, including family members, gathered at the site. The family initially blocked the ambulance carrying his body, demanding that authorities promise strict action, including capital punishment for the accused. They relented after being assured of firm action.
The incident had earlier triggered protests in the region, leading police to register an FIR and arrest four suspects. Demonstrations continued as the search for Tanveer dragged on.
Ramban Additional Superintendent of Police Mujeeb ur Rahman said teams worked continuously to locate the body, acknowledging the role of the State Disaster Response Force, quick reaction teams, volunteers and locals. He added that the stream’s flow had to be diverted for several days during the recovery effort.
Congress leader and former NSUI president Fairoz Khan alleged that not all those involved had been arrested. He claimed that individuals linked to a company engaged in tunnel construction in Ramban were also part of the incident.
“Two vehicles were chasing him. One was a private vehicle, and those inside it have been arrested. The other belonged to the company and had people in it who are yet to be held,” Khan said.
Tanveer Ahmad Chopan had been missing since April 12, when he was reportedly chased and attacked. He is believed to have jumped into a river while trying to escape.
Police said the body was found near Kraalna Digdool in Ramban. As news spread, hundreds of people, including family members, gathered at the site. The family initially blocked the ambulance carrying his body, demanding that authorities promise strict action, including capital punishment for the accused. They relented after being assured of firm action.
The incident had earlier triggered protests in the region, leading police to register an FIR and arrest four suspects. Demonstrations continued as the search for Tanveer dragged on.
Ramban Additional Superintendent of Police Mujeeb ur Rahman said teams worked continuously to locate the body, acknowledging the role of the State Disaster Response Force, quick reaction teams, volunteers and locals. He added that the stream’s flow had to be diverted for several days during the recovery effort.
Congress leader and former NSUI president Fairoz Khan alleged that not all those involved had been arrested. He claimed that individuals linked to a company engaged in tunnel construction in Ramban were also part of the incident.
“Two vehicles were chasing him. One was a private vehicle, and those inside it have been arrested. The other belonged to the company and had people in it who are yet to be held,” Khan said.
