SRINAGAR: A dry fruit seller who set himself on fire on Sunday, reportedly after being denied a chance to meet his son and brother picked up for questioning by the police, died of his injuries at a Srinagar hospital on Monday.
Bilal Ahmad Wani, a resident of Qazigund in south Kashmir, sustained severe burns after setting himself on fire at his home. He was rushed to a Srinagar hospital in critical condition, where he succumbed on Monday.
Bilal, who lives near the residence of Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, one of the accused arrested during the ongoing investigation into the "white-collar" terror module, was called for questioning by police on Saturday and let go in the evening, sources said.
Bilal's son, Jasbir Bilal and brother Nabeel Ahmed were also picked up by the police for questioning.
While Bilal was subsequently released, his son remained in custody for questioning.
Condemning the death, PDP chief and former CM Mehbooba Mufti posted on X, "Bilal Wani, an anguished father from Wanpora Qazigund, has set himself on fire after his son Jasir Bilal & brother Naveel Wani were detained by the police a few days ago. Petrified about their safety he pleaded with the authorities to just see them, which was denied."
Bilal’s neighbour was arrested by the J&K Police from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh on 6 November 6. Police have also launched a manhunt for Rather’s younger brother, Dr Muzaffar Rather, who has emerged as a key figure in the case and is reportedly hiding in Afghanistan.
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