Mehbooba alleges victim died in custody; Police rebut say committed suicide
CM Omar Abdullah takes up matter with Centre
Jammu, Feb 06: Authorities on Thursday ordered separate enquiries into the death of a man, Makhandin, after he was called for questioning by the Police in Kathua district.
In a statement a Police spokesman said, “Makhandin was the nephew of Pak exfiltrated Terrorist Swar Din @ Swaru Gujjar, he is helping in the same group that conducted the Badnotta Army Convoy attack in July 2024 in which 4 Army Jawans were martyred.”
“It is the same group which led to the killing & martyrdom of HC Bashir in Kohag opertaion. Makhan had 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 spokesman said.
After the news of the youth’s death broke out Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rakesh Manhas ordered a magisterial enquiry into the incident.
An official order “Anil Kumar, Tehsildar Lohai Malhar, has been appointed as the Inquiry Magistrate to investigate the case and ascertain the actual cause of death. He has been directed to submit a detailed report within five days.”
“The inquiry will involve recording statements from all relevant individuals and following all requisite legal procedures,” the order reads.
The District Magistrate has instructed the inquiry officer to ensure a comprehensive probe into the matter. Copies of the order have been sent to the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, the Senior Superintendent of Police Kathua, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Billawar, and the appointed Inquiry Magistrate for necessary action.
The order reads that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The Police spokesman said that the senior police officers have ordered a departmental inquiry which will be conducted by Shiv Kumar- DIG JSK Range.
“The enquiry officer has been directed to submit his report at the earliest to higher ups,” the spokesman said, adding that the public is requested to pay no heed to the rumors and co-operate with the Police.
He said that Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Operation Billawar Amir Iqbal, DySP Javaid Tabassum,SDPO Billawar Neeraj Padyar and the concerned SHO met the family members of the deceased and assured fair and transparent investigation.
MEHBOOBA ALLEGES CRACKDOWN, POLICE REBUT
Following Makhandin’s death former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti posted on X that a crackdown is being “launched and Din was subjected to custodial death.” “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,” she posted.
The Police spokesman termed Mehbooba Mufti’s post as “ baseless and misleading.” “There is no crackdown in Billawar Town, Traffic is playing smoothly, normal routine life is functioning in Billawar, Youth in Billawar are enjoying their life, going to school, college. Routine work is running smoothly. Further, Internet facility in district Kathua has not been hampered.”
“Whatever is said in the tweet of Mehbooba Mufti is not true,” the spokesman said, adding that two probes have been ordered into the incident.
CM OMAR TAKES UP MATTER WITH CENTRE
Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to the X and posted, “I have seen the reports of excessive use of force & harassment of Makhan Din in police custody in Billawar leading to his suicide. I have taken up the incident with the Union Government & insisted that it should be inquired into in a time bound, transparent manner. The Government in J&K will also order its own inquiry.”(KNO)
