Terror module crackdown: Dry fruit seller picked up for questioning succumbs to burn injuries

Security forces staying vigil at Srinagar. Filepic

A dry fruit seller, who had set himself on fire after being picked up by police for questioning in connection with the terror module case, succumbed to injuries at a hospital here, officials said on Monday.

As reported by news agency PTI, Bilal Ahmad Wani had himself on fire on Sunday in Qazigund. The dry fruit seller, after getting burnt, was referred to the SMHS hospital in Srinagar after his condition worsened at an Anantnag hospital late on Sunday, the officials said.

The official, while asserting about the incident, said that, "Wani succumbed to burn injuries at half past midnight.

Wani, along with his son Jasir Bilal, was picked up by police for questioning in connection with the terror module case."

"While Bilal was subsequently released, his son remains in custody for questioning," the officials added.

Wani is a neighbour of Dr Muzaffar Rather, who has emerged as a key accused in the 'white collar terror module' case.

While Muzaffar is currently believed to be in Afghanistan, his younger brother, Dr Adeel Rather, was arrested in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh on November 6.

Jammu and Kashmir L-G says, ‘Will probe explosion of Delhi blast evidence'

Earlier on Sunday, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid floral tributes to the victims of an "accidental" explosion in Srinagar on Saturday. Through a post on his official X handle, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "The Chief Minister expresses deep sorrow and grief over the tragic accidental explosion at Nowgam police station, which claimed precious lives and left several personnel injured."

The materials being sampled were approximately 360 kg of explosive substances, chemicals, and reagents, including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur. This cache was recovered by J&K Police from the rented residence of Delhi blast accused Dr Muzzamil Ganaie in Faridabad on November 9 and 10. The bulk of the 360 kg of explosives was stored securely in an open area at the Nowgam police station.

Furthermore, the Congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge, said that this is a wake-up call for the Central government to strengthen intelligence and anti-terror mechanisms. He also demanded an all-party meeting to discuss the growing threat of terrorism.

(With inputs from PTI)