Youth’s suicide after ‘police torture’ rocks Kathua; DM, police order probe

A 25-year-old man, accused of involvement in militancy, allegedly died by suicide after reportedly being tortured by the police in Kathua district. He was questioned in a case involving an attack on an Army convoy last year, in which four soldiers were killed. The death of Makhan Din, a resident of Billawar in Kathua and a member of the Gujjar community, has led both the police and the administration to order separate investigations into the incident.

Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti alleged that Makhan Din was found dead after being subjected to “brutal thrashing” and forced to confess. Mufti claimed that Makhan Din had been detained by the Billawar SHO on false charges of being an overground 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 suspended, causing widespread panic. There is an ongoing crackdown, with more individuals being picked up. This incident appears to be part of a troubling pattern of targeting innocent youths on fabricated charges. I urge the DGP to initiate an immediate investigation,” she said.

Sensing growing tensions, District Magistrate of Kathua Rakesh Minhas ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. “Anil Kumar, Tehsildar of Lohai Malhar, is hereby appointed as the inquiry magistrate to investigate the case, ascertain the cause of death, and submit a detailed report within five days,” the order stated.

Independent MLA from the Bani constituency, Dr Rameshwar Singh, demanded that the victim’s family, including his wife and two minor daughters, be given Rs 10 lakh in compensation. “The victim’s wife should also be provided with a government job, and a judicial inquiry must be conducted into the incident,” he said. A protest was also held in Billawar, in which the MLA participated.

Police sources revealed that Makhan Din was the nephew of Swar Din, a terrorist who had exfiltrated to Pakistan years ago and was operating from there. Swar Din was allegedly involved in assisting the group of terrorists responsible for the Badnota Army convoy attack in July 2024, in which four Army jawans were killed. During an encounter with the same group, Head Constable Bashir Ahmed was killed in Kathua last year.

A senior police official stated, “Makhan had several suspicious contacts in Pakistan. There was no custodial torture or injury on his body. He was questioned, and after being exposed, he went home and committed suicide.”

A fact-finding inquiry has been ordered by the police, which is to be conducted by Deputy Inspector General of the Jammu-Samba-Kathua range, Shiv Kumar Sharma. The inquiry officer has been directed to submit his findings within ten days.

Video of victim goes viral

A purported video has gone viral on social media in which Makhan Din claims to be innocent and denies any connections with terrorists. He also alleges police torture after being taken to a local police station. In the video, he states that he has no knowledge of the terrorists involved in any attack in Kathua but was forced to accept involvement under duress.