Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 4: Tragedy struck a Srinagar family after their 30-year-old son, Zubair Ahmed Bhat, died under mysterious circumstances in New Delhi, who have demanded a thorough investigation into his death.
Zubair, a resident of Sehyar Ali Kadal in Srinagar’s downtown, had travelled to Delhi on May 27 for work-related purposes.
A regular visitor to Delhi due to his job in Kashmir handicrafts, Zubair was known in Lajpat Nagar area as he often received guests and clients there.
An official said that his body was flown to Srinagar early Wednesday morning after he died in Delhi.
He said as per initial details from Delhi Police, they received a call about a man hitting his head in a public park. “He was taken to the hospital and later succumbed. Post-mortem has been conducted and inquest proceedings are underway,” the official said.
However, Zubair’s family narrates a different, deeply troubling story. Zubair’s family, living in Sehyar Ali Kadal Srinagar, said Zubair was the only breadwinner, supporting his mother and siblings through his work in the handicrafts sector.
Iqra, Zubair’s younger sister, struggles to hold back tears as she recalls her last conversation with her brother. She said that Zubair reached Delhi on Tuesday, May 27, and called the family, saying he had safely booked a hotel.
“But on Wednesday evening, Zubair messaged me saying he was beaten with sticks by police. He was questioned, ‘Are you a Kashmiri?’ They took his Aadhaar card and wallet,” she said with her voice trembling as she was gathered by women mourners.
“Zubair also said, with Allah’s grace, I am fine. Don’t tell our mother about this,” his sister Iqra said.
The next day, Thursday, the family remained in touch with Zubair until around 4 PM. “He spoke to us normally and even asked if we needed anything from the Delhi markets,” Iqra said. But soon after, the contact was lost.
“At 5 PM, when we tried calling, an unknown person answered. He said something had happened to Zubair’s head. We pleaded with him to take Zubair to a hospital, offered to transfer money for all expenses. We were desperate,” she said.
Iqra added, “All we want is justice. Today, it happened to us. Tomorrow, it could be someone else. Authorities must investigate what really happened.”
“He was our soul, our strength,” said Iqra, as cries echoed through the neighbourhood. “He would always take care of us. Who will do that now?”
Furqaan Hameed Bhat, Zubair’s cousin, claimed that the deceased had gone to a local police station in Delhi the next day to retrieve his taken wallet, Aadhaar card, and money.
“He was questioned and allegedly beaten by police the first night. The next day, when he went to collect his belongings, he was reportedly assaulted again. After that, no one knows what happened,” Furqaan said at Zubair’s home in Ali Kadal, Srinagar.
“We approached our local police station (Mahraj Gunj) in Srinagar. They informed Delhi Police, who later told us Zubair was found unconscious and shifted to the hospital,” he added.
A police official from Srinagar police said that they are in contact with the family and ready to assist in any way.
“The family mentioned that Zubair had migraines in the past but was doing fine recently. If the family has any doubts or evidence, they should approach us. We are here to help,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the family is demanding a transparent and fair investigation. “Our son cannot speak now. But his silence must be heard. We won’t rest until the truth comes out,” said a relative.
Meanwhile, Zubair was laid to rest early Wednesday (today) morning in his ancestral graveyard, amid heart-wrenching scenes of grief. His mother and siblings stood silently, surrounded by mourners as the young man’s body was lowered into the earth.
