Qazigund dry fruit seller succumbs after setting himself ablaze over son’s detention

Srinagar, Nov 17: A 55-year-old dry fruit seller from Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district died on Monday from severe burn injuries after setting himself on fire on Sunday, amid distress over the alleged police detention of his son and brother in connection with the ongoing investigations into a terror module case.

Bilal Ahmad Wani was initially treated at a hospital in Anantnag before being shifted to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar late Sunday as his condition deteriorated. He succumbed to his injuries there, officials said.

Wani, a neighbour of Dr Muzaffar Rather—a key accused in the ‘white collar terror module’ linked to a planned Red Fort blast plot —had been briefly called in for questioning by police. His son, Jasir Bilal, a college student, remains in custody, while Wani himself was released the same day.

Family members described Wani as deeply disturbed upon returning home on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, Wani reportedly poured petrol from his car over himself outside his home in Wanpoh Qazigund and ignited it.

The family claims Jasir Bilal was picked up four days prior, and Wani’s brother, teacher Nabeel Ahmad, two days before that.

They alleged Wani pleaded unsuccessfully with authorities to see his detained relatives.

Dr Muzaffar’s younger brother, Dr Adeel Rather, was arrested on November 6 in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where he worked at a private hospital.

Wani’s family acknowledged knowing Adeel as a local doctor whom residents consulted.

On Monday evening National Investigation Agency described his son, Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, as a key associate of a terrorist who carried out the Red Fort Delhi blast.