Jammu & Kashmir: Investigation Launched into Man's Suicide Linked to Police Misconduct in Kathua
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Synopsis
On February 6, a magisterial inquiry was launched in J&K after a man allegedly took his own life due to police harassment. This incident has raised serious concerns and prompted separate investigations by both police and administration.
Key Takeaways
- Magisterial inquiry ordered into the suicide case.
- Makhan Din, the deceased, faced alleged police harassment.
- Separate investigations initiated by police and administration.
- Chief Minister emphasizes need for cooperation with locals.
- Family claims torture led to his tragic decision.
Jammu, Feb 6 (NationPress) A magisterial investigation was initiated on Thursday concerning the suicide of a man purportedly following police harassment in the Kathua district of J&K.
The district magistrate of Kathua has taken serious notice of the occurrence and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the demise of Makhan Din, son of Murid from Billawar tehsil.
Anil Kumar, Tehsildar of Lohai Malhar, has been designated as the inquiry magistrate to probe the case.
He has been instructed to present a comprehensive report within five days. The inquiry will encompass recording testimonies from all pertinent individuals and adhering to all required legal protocols, as stated in the order.
The police have also mandated a time-sensitive investigation into the case, led by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
Makhan Din (26), who was accused of involvement in militancy, allegedly took his own life following reported police harassment in Kathua.
The passing of Makhan, a resident of Batodi village, has led both police and administrative authorities to initiate separate investigations into the event.
A purported video has circulated online in which Makhan asserts his innocence, claiming he has never had any affiliation with terrorists.
Makhan died on Wednesday night, reportedly after ingesting poison in the Billawar locality.
Family members have alleged that both Makhan and his father were detained by local police and subjected to torture to extract information about militants, which they believe compelled him to take his own life.
Bani MLA Rameshwar Singh has expressed support for the family of the deceased and has called for justice. He stated, "The body will not be removed from here until justice is served to the family. I stand by them. I cannot bring him back to life, but I will fight until we achieve justice,” during a press briefing.
Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on both Makhan Din’s suicide and the death of a driver named Waseem Ahmad Malla in the Sangrama area of Sopore, who was shot by army personnel after allegedly jumping a checkpost.
“I have noted the reports regarding excessive use of force and harassment of Makhan Din while in police custody in Billawar, leading to his suicide, as well as the death of Waseem Ahmad Malla, shot by the army under circumstances that remain unclear. Both incidents are regrettable and should not have occurred. J&K will not achieve complete normalization and freedom from terror without cooperation from and partnership with the local populace. Events like these risk alienating the very individuals we need to bring along on the path to full normalization. I have discussed these incidents with the Union Government and emphasized the need for inquiries into both cases in a timely and transparent manner. The J&K Government will also initiate its own investigations,” the Chief Minister stated on X.
