Bandipora, Aug. 15 -- Suhail Rather

What was meant to be the beginning of a new chapter in his life ended in unspeakable tragedy for 24-year-old Faisal Ahmad Shah alias Tufail, who drowned in Papchan Nallah in north Kashmir's Bandipora on Friday.

Just ten days ago, Shah's family had celebrated his Nikkah Ceremony, marking his engagement and the promise of an upcoming wedding.

Today, those celebrations have been replaced by grief.

"The happiness turned into mourning," a close relative said, their voice breaking. "We were Still receiving guests who would congratulate us for engagement and were preparing for his marriage. Now, we are preparing for his funeral."

Shah, son of a retired Sub-Inspector, was serving as a Special Police Office...