Srinagar, Feb 06: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday claimed that a Billawar resident died by suicide while rebutting a social media post of PDP President Mehbooba Mufti in which she claimed that Makhan Din died after torture in police custody.
In a post on X, Mehbooba has said: “Shocking news from Kathua: Makhan Din, aged 25 from Perody, Billawar, was detained by the SHO of Billawar on false charges of being an Over Ground 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 cut, leading to widespread panic. 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.”
In a statement, a police spokesman while denying the accusations, said there is no crackdown in Billawar Town. “Traffic [is] plying smoothly, normal routine Life is functioning in Billawar, Youth in Billawar is enjoying their Life, Going to School, College Routine work running smoothly. Further, Internet facility in district Kathua has not been hampered (sic),” read the statement.
“Whatever is said in tweet of Mehbooba Mufti is not true, 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 04 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.”
In this regard, the cognizance has been taken by and DC Kathua Rakesh Manhas, IAS and a Magestrial Enquiry has been ordered . Addl. SP Operation Billawar Amir Iqbal, Dy. SP Javaid Tabassum,SDPO Billawar Neeraj Padyar JKPS concerned SHO have reached on the spot and met with his family members and assured fair and transparent investigation.
Taking serious note of this incident, senior officers have ordered a Departmental inquiry which will be conducted by Shiv Kumar-IPS DIG JSK Range.
The enquiry officer has been directed to submit his report at the earliest to higher ups. The public is requested to pay no heed to the rumors and co-operate with the Police.
