JAMMU, Feb 19: In a significant development, a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a Superintendent of Police has been constituted to probe the brutal murders of two men in a remote village of Kathua district. The decision comes as security agencies intensify their investigation into the killings, which have sparked concerns over a possible terror link.
The victims, identified as Roshan Lal (45) and Shamsher (37), were found dead on February 16 along the banks of a stream in Batheri village, Billawar. A postmortem examination confirmed that both men had been strangled to death, raising suspicions of a premeditated attack.
While police have not ruled out the involvement of terrorists, a joint anti-terror operation by the police, army, and paramilitary forces has been underway in the dense forests surrounding the crime scene. Despite extensive search operations over the past few days, officials have yet to make a breakthrough in the case. However, they remain hopeful that the formation of the SIT will expedite the investigation and lead to crucial leads.
The brutal murders have drawn sharp reactions from both political leaders and local communities. Expressing grief over the tragic incident, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that his office is in constant touch with the local MLA and that authorities have been directed to ensure a thorough investigation.
Kathua district, particularly Billawar, has witnessed increased militant activity in recent months. Last year, the region saw a deadly attack on an army patrol, resulting in the martyrdom of five soldiers. The latest killings have reignited concerns over security and the growing threat posed by militant groups in the region.