Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday met family of Makhan Din from Bilawar, Kathua, who died by suicide after alleged torture by police in custody.
“Today, I met the grieving family of Makhan Din from Billawar, Kathua. His tragic suicide, reportedly due to police excesses, is a heartbreaking loss. No family should have to endure such pain. I assured them of full government support and our unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for him,” Omar posted on X, formerly twitter.
In February Makhan Din, a resident of Billawar, Kathua allegedly died by suicide inside a mosque in his area.
He had recorded a video message before taking the extreme step.
In the video he said had no militant links and was brutally tortured by the policemen.
Police has ordered a fact finding inquiry into the circumstances leading to Makhan’s death.
The inquiry shall be conducted by DIG SKK Range Shiv Kumar.
District Magistrate Kathua Dr Rakesh Manhas also ordered magisterial inquiry to ascertain the actual cause of the death.
Tehsilar Lohai Malhar Anil Kumar was appointed as Inquiry Magistrate.
“He (Inquiry Magistrate) shall take statements of all relevant persons and adopt all requisite procedures under relevant rules,” reads the order issued by DM.
A court in Kathua had ordered the Station House Officer (SHO) of Billawar Police Station to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) regarding two complaints alleging custodial torture leading to the death of 26-year-old Makhan Din.
The directives follow intense legal proceedings where advocates representing the victim’s family accused the Billawar Police of failing to register an FIR despite prima facie evidence of cognizable offenses.