J&K Man Dies By Suicide In Kathua After 'Police Harassment' Over ‘Supporting’ Militants

Makhan Din, a native of Batodi village, consumed poison after being accused of militant involvement and facing harassment by local police in the Billawar area.

Makhan Din who was a nephew of exfiltrated Pak terrorist Swar Din alias Swaru Gujjar.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

A man died by suicide after facing harassment from the local police in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, it was alleged that he was supporting militants. Before he killed himself, Makhan Din had recorded a video claiming innocence and denied any connection with terrorists.

The video later made rounds in social media, which prompted separate probes by the police and the local administration into the family's allegations.

According to a PTI report, police reportedly said that Makhan Din who was a nephew of exfiltrated Pak terrorist Swar Din alias Swaru Gujjar, was associated with the group responsible for the July 2024 Badnotta army convoy attack that killed four army jawans.

The 26-year-old native of Batodi village, consumed poison after being accused of militant involvement and facing harassment by local police in the Billawar area. His family claimed, that he has his father were detained by the police and tortured to extract information about militants, but this pushed Makhan Din to kill himself.

MLA Bani Dr Rameshwar Singh, was quoted by PTI as saying, "His body will not be removed until justice is served to the family. I stand with them. I cannot bring him back, but I will fight until justice prevails."

However, Makhan Din’s body was later buried.

In a police statement, it was said that Makhan Din was the nephew of Pakistan-exfiltrated terrorist Swar Din, also known as Swaru Gujjar. He is actively aiding the same group responsible for the Badnotta Army convoy attack in July 2024, which resulted in the martyrdom of four Army jawans. This group was also involved in the Kohag operation, where Head Constable Bashir was killed in action.

"Makhan Din had several suspicious contacts in Pakistan and other foreign countries. There was no custodial torture or injury. He was questioned, then released home, got exposed and subsequently committed suicide," police added. Police officers have visited Makhan Din’s family and assured them of a fair investigation into the matter.

A departmental inquiry will be carried out by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Shiv Kumar, as per the report. The Kathua District Magistrate has also ordered an inquiry into Makhan Din's death, instructing Lohai Malhar Tehsildar Anil Kumar to submit a detailed report within five days.