No action taken over Kathua man’s suicide, says Mehbooba
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has alleged that no action has been taken in the case of a youth from Kathua who died by suicide after reportedly being tortured by the police in the district.
Makhan Din, a Gujjar youth from Billawar, took his own life earlier this month by consuming insecticide. Before his death, he recorded a video where he asserted his innocence and denied any links to terrorism. Both the police and the local administration launched separate investigations into the incident, with the police denying any allegations of torture.
Mufti, expressing concern on social media platform x, stated, “Weeks have passed since the tragic death of Makhan Din yet no action has been taken. No order for a judicial enquiry or even any form of support or compensation for the bereaved family.”
She further highlighted the gravity of the situation, saying the most “concerning part” is that the Station House Officer (SHO) of Bilawar, who is accused of allegedly driving the victim to suicide, “is still at large.”
Mufti added, “The issue simply doesn’t end here - many innocent individuals like Makhan Din remain arrested on false charges of militancy by the same officer and could face the same tragic fate unless action is taken.”
Mufti called on the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene, ensuring justice for the family and preventing “such tragic cases in the future.”
Alongside Mufti, PDP leader Iltija Mufti visited Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Javed Rana also met the deceased’s family to offer condolences. Rana assured the family that the government was pushing for a transparent and time-bound investigation into the matter.
