LG Orders Probe; Dr Jitendra Calls Kathua Civilian Deaths Act of Terror

Board of doctors formed to conduct postmortem: Police

- Ravi Krishnan Khajuria

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Sunday ordered a "thorough and transparent" probe into the deaths of three civilians in Billawar area of Kathua district.

"I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the brutal killing of Varun Singh, Yogesh Singh, and Darshan Singh of Kathua. In this hour of grief, I offer my deepest condolences to their families and friends. I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation and all the necessary support to the families will be provided. I assure the people that the perpetrators will be brought to book at the earliest. Justice will be ensured and accountability will be fixed," Sinha said in an X post.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh terming it an "act of terror".

"The brutal killing of three youths by terrorists in Bani area of district Kathua is extremely sad as well as a matter of great concern. There appears to be a deep conspiracy behind spoiling the atmosphere in this peaceful area," he said on X.