SRINAGAR, Feb 6 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for a transparent and time-bound inquiry into two deaths—one in police custody in Jammu and the other involving the Indian Army in Baramulla.
A 25-year-old man, Makhan Din, reportedly died by suicide after being taken into custody by police in Billawar, Kathua district, on Tuesday. Separately, a truck driver, Waseem Ahmed Malla, was shot dead by the Indian Army under unclear circumstances in Baramulla on Wednesday night.
“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,” Abdullah posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
“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 and partnership with the local population,” he added.
Concerns Over Alleged Police Torture
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti described Din’s death as “shocking” and accused police of torturing him under false allegations of being an overground worker (OGW) for militant groups.
“Makhan Din was reportedly subjected to brutal thrashing and torture, forced into a confession, and tragically found dead. The area has been sealed off, and internet services have been cut, leading to widespread panic,” Mufti wrote on X.
She urged Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police to initiate an immediate investigation, warning against what she described as a pattern of targeting innocent youth on fabricated charges.
Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, state president of the J&K Gujjar Bakerwal Youth Welfare Conference, echoed similar concerns, alleging that Din was arrested on “false and fabricated” charges.
Official Inquiry Ordered
The Jammu and Kashmir Police announced an official probe into the incident.
“ZPHQ Jammu has taken cognizance of the Kathua issue and ordered a time-bound inquiry by DIG JKS Range,” police wrote on X.
Abdullah said he had taken up both incidents with the Union Government and insisted on transparent inquiries.
“Incidents like these risk alienating the very people who we need to carry with us on the road to complete normalcy. The Government in J&K will also order its own inquiries,” he said.
The deaths have sparked outrage in the region, with political leaders and activists calling for accountability and justice.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
