‘He left to earn, not to die’: Kangan family mourns labourer killed in Red Fort blast, pleads for body’s return

Ganderbal, Nov 16: Grief has enveloped the Wangath area of Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district after the family of a young labourer identified him among those killed in the November 10 Red Fort blast in New Delhi. The victim, 28-year-old Bilal Ahmad Sangoo, had been working in the capital for several years to support his family, driving an autorickshaw and taking up labour jobs to make ends meet.

For the past nine days, Bilal had been unreachable. His family’s worst fears came true on Saturday evening when they came across a photograph circulating on social media that appeared to show him among the deceased.

“We recognised him instantly,” said his brother, Rafaqat Ahmad. “We immediately contacted the Kangan Police Station and informed them. They assured us they would reach out to the Delhi Police so his body could be brought home.”

Rafaqat said Bilal had not visited home since 2019, but during their last phone call, he expressed hope that he would return this year. “He had dreams. He was trying to build a life. Now all we can think about is bringing him home,” he said, his voice breaking.

Locals in Wangath describe the family as economically weak. “He was away from home only to earn and support his family,” said Mohammad Ismail, a neighbour who joined dozens of community members at the residence to offer condolences. The family, devastated by the sudden loss, has appealed to the government and the administration for urgent assistance in bringing the body back to Kashmir so that the last rites can be performed.

SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal confirmed that the family had approached the police after recognising Bilal from images shared with them. “Delhi Police has confirmed the presence of his body. The family has been guided, and we have tied up with the Delhi Police for further assistance,” the SSP said. He added that all necessary legal formalities are being coordinated to ensure the body is brought home at the earliest. “Our team is in touch with authorities in Delhi and will ensure the process is completed smoothly,” he said.

The news has cast a pall of sorrow over Baba Nagri Wangath, where neighbours and relatives continue to gather at the Sangoo household, offering prayers and support as the village mourns a young man who left home in search of a livelihood and will now return in silence.