The administration on Thursday ordered magisterial probe after a suspected Over Ground Worker (OGW) in Billawar area of Kathua, who was called for questioning by police, committed suicide at his residence.
In a post on X, PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti alleged, “Shocking news from Kathua: Makhan Din, aged 25 from Perody, Billawar, was detained by the SHO of Billawar on false charges of being an Over Ground Worker (OGW). He was reportedly subjected to brutal thrashing and torture, forced into a confession, and tragically found dead today. The area has been sealed off, and internet services have been cut, leading to widespread panic. There’s an ongoing crackdown, with more individuals being picked up .This incident appears to follow a troubling pattern of targeting innocent youths on fabricated charges. I urge the DGP @JmuKmrPolice to initiate an immediate investigation.”
Reacting to Mehbooba’s tweet, a police spokesman said “Whatever is said in tweet of Mehbooba Mufti is not true. Makhandin was nephew of Pak Exfiltrated Terrorist Swar Din @ Swaru Gujjar, he is helping the same group that conducted the Badnotta Army Convoy attack in July 2024 in which 4 Army men were killed. It is the same group which led to the killing of Head Constable Bashir Ahmed in Kohag Opertaion. Makhan had a number of suspicious contacts in Pak and other foreign countries.”
“There was no custodial torture or injury. He was questioned and then got exposed, went home and committed suicide,” the police spokesperson said.
District Magistrate Kathua Dr Rakesh Manhas ordered a magisterial probe to ascertain the death of Makhan Din.
According to the order issued by DM, Anil Kumar, Tehsildar Lohai Malhar, has been appointed as the inquiry magistrate to investigate the case.
He has been directed to submit a detailed report within five days.
The inquiry will involve recording statements of all relevant individuals and following all necessary legal procedures, the order said.
Police have also ordered a time bound probe into the matter led by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
He has been ordered to submit the inquiry report within 10 days.
Meanwhile, Bani MLA Rameshwar Singh came in support of the deceased’s family and demanded justice for him.
Dr Rameshwar Singh said Din was picked up by police along with his 65-year-old father Murid from their home at Perody village near Billawar town on Tuesday night.
Quoting Murid, the MLA alleged the father and son were tortured at the police station the entire night. In the morning, Din was allowed to go home, and after some time, Murid was also let off.
The MLA claimed Din had made a video of himself at a local mosque before committing suicide on Tuesday evening. As per the MLA, Din said in the video that he had been tortured and forced to confess to militant links.