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

Srinagar, Nov 17: 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.

Bilal Ahmad Wani had himself on fire on Sunday in Qazigund. He was referred to the SMHS hospital here after his condition worsened at a Anantnag hospital late on Sunday, the officials said.

They said Wani succumbed to burn injuries 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 Wani was subsequently released, his son remains in custody for questioning, they said.

Wani allegedly set himself on fire out of “despair” and “anguish” after repeatedly being denied permission to meet his detained son and brother.

The incident sparked political controversy, with former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemning the alleged “high-handedness” of the authorities and urging the police to allow the father to meet his detained family members.

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 from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh on November 6. (With inputs from GKNN)