Demand CBI or NIA probe as police fail to make progress since March

Kathua, Nov 26:
The family members of a teenager and his two uncles—whose mysterious deaths in March had triggered widespread anger in Kathua—began an indefinite hunger strike on Tuesday, accusing the police of failing to crack the case even after eight months.

The relatives of Varun Singh (15), his uncle Yogesh Singh (32) and maternal uncle Darshan Singh (40) gathered at a protest site in Kathua town, demanding that the investigation be handed over to the CBI or the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a fair and transparent probe.

Bodies found in waterfall

The trio had gone missing in March while travelling to attend a wedding. Their bodies were recovered three days later from a waterfall in Ishu Nallah in the remote Malhar region. The deaths had sparked outrage across Jammu, especially as the district was witnessing a series of killings targeting both Hindus and Muslims.

At the time, a BJP Union minister had blamed militants for the killings, a remark that further escalated communal tensions in the region. However, investigators have not offered clarity on the cause of death or established responsibility.

‘We have knocked on every door’

With no major breakthrough by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the family says they have lost faith in the police probe.

“The SIT has produced no results. We have knocked on every door—from the local police station to the inspector-general’s office—but there has been no justice,”
said Chamail Singh, father of the deceased teenager.

He announced that he and other relatives would continue the hunger strike until the government orders an impartial investigation.

“I will sacrifice my life if I get no concrete answer. The clothes on my body will be my shroud. I will either get justice or sacrifice my life,” he declared.

Growing public support

Dozens of residents from Kathua also joined the protest, expressing frustration over what they call official apathy and lack of transparency. Protesters said they would intensify their agitation if the government failed to respond.