A lecturer was allegedly beaten to death by security forces in a late night raid in Khrew area of Kashmir's Pulwama district on Wednesday. Eighteen people were injured in the incident while local residents alleged that at least 30 others were taken away by security personnel, reported IANS.

Awantipore Deputy Superintendent of Police Parvez Ahmad told The Indian Express that an FIR was lodged in connection with the killing. An army official said they will investigate the matter after residents alleged that 30-year-old Shabir Ahmad Monga was tortured. Those injured were taken to a Srinagar hospital.

Locals residents said clashes broke out when protesters resisted the door-to-door raid by security forces. Awanitipora Superintendent of Police Zahid Mallik, however, told Hindustan Times that there were reports of stone pelting on army vehicles that resulted in a scuffle between the army and civilians. “Four people were injured and out of them one died.” Army spokesperson Colonel NN Joshi told the Associated Press that they carried out the raid on the village, which is 25 km south-east of Srinagar.

Meanwhile, the Valley has not yet returned to normal life, as authorities continue to impose curfew for the 41st day. All establishments – schools, colleges and private offices – remained shut while public vehicles are off the roads because of a strike call by separatist groups. With the death of Monga, the toll in Kashmir rose to 66, reported IANS. The Valley has been on the boil since Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was gunned down on July 8.