THN Desk
The alleged custodial death of Makhan Din, a 25-year-old resident of Perody in Billawar, Kathua, has ignited widespread outrage across Jammu & Kashmir.
Din, who was detained by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Billawar on allegations of being an Over Ground Worker (OGW), reportedly died under suspicious circumstances, leading to calls for immediate and transparent investigations.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the incident on X, stating, “I have seen the reports of excessive use of force and harassment of Makhan Din in police custody in Billawar leading to his suicide and the death of Waseem Ahmed Malla, shot by the army under circumstances that are not entirely clear. Both these incidents are highly unfortunate and should not have happened. J&K will never be completely normalised and free of terror without the cooperation of & partnership with the local population. Incidents like these risks alienating the very people who we need to carry with us on the road to complete normalcy. I have taken up these incidents with the Union Government & insisted that both incidents are inquired into in a time bound, transparent manner. The Government in J&K will also order its own inquiries.”
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her condemnation, posting on X, “Shocking news from Kathua: Makhan Din, aged 25 from Perody, Billawar, was detained by the Billawar Police 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.”
Responding to the mounting public outcry, the Zonal Police Headquarters Jammu posted on X, “Zonal Police Media Centre Jammu @ZPHQJammu. 4h T-01 ZPHQ Jammu has taken #cognizance of the #Kathua issue and ordered a time bound #Inquiry, by DIG JKS Range.”
In addition to the police inquiry, the District Magistrate of Kathua has ordered a magisterial probe. Tehsildar Lohai Malhar has been assigned to conduct the investigation and submit a comprehensive report on the circumstances leading to Makhan Din’s death. Local sources report that following the incident, the area around Perody, Billawar has been sealed, and internet services have been suspended, contributing to widespread panic among residents. Allegations of a broader crackdown and the detention of more individuals have further intensified tensions in the region. However, Police have denied these claims. As investigations proceed, the public and political leaders alike are calling for accountability and justice to prevent such incidents from recurring.
