Terror module crackdown: Dried fruit seller picked up for questioning succumbs to burns

A dried fruit seller, who had set himself on fire after being picked up by police for questioning in connection with the terror module case, succumbed to injuries at a hospital here, officials said on Monday.

Bilal Ahmad Wani had set himself on fire on Sunday in Qazigund. He was referred to the SMHS hospital here after his condition worsened at an Anantnag hospital late on Sunday, the officials said.

They said Wani succumbed to burns half past midnight.

Wani, along with his son Jasir Bilal, was picked up by police for questioning in connection with the terror module case. While Bilal was subsequently released, his son remains in custody for questioning, they said.

Wani is a neighbour of Dr Muzaffar Rather, who has emerged as a key accused in the 'white collar terror module' case.

While Muzaffar is currently believed to be in Afghanistan, his younger brother, Dr Adeel Rather, was arrested from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh on November 6.