Tragic Death in Kashmir Police Custody Investigation
A dry fruit seller from South Kashmir's Qazigund area has died after setting himself on fire during police questioning about an alleged terror module. Bilal Ahmad Wani succumbed to his burn injuries at SMHS hospital in Srinagar on Sunday, November 16, 2025.
Sequence of Events Leading to Tragedy
The incident began when local police picked up Wani for questioning regarding his suspected involvement with a terror module operating in the Qazigund area. During the interrogation session, in circumstances that remain under investigation, Wani doused himself with a flammable substance and set himself on fire.
Police officials immediately rushed the severely burned man to a local medical facility in Qazigund. As his condition rapidly deteriorated, medical professionals made the decision to refer him to the better-equipped SMHS hospital in Srinagar for specialized burn treatment.
Despite receiving emergency medical care at the premier healthcare facility, Wani could not be saved. Hospital authorities confirmed he passed away from the extensive burn injuries sustained during the self-immolation incident.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
The Jammu and Kashmir police have launched a comprehensive investigation into both the original terror module allegations and the circumstances surrounding Wani's death. Authorities are examining multiple aspects of the case:
- The nature of the terror module Wani was allegedly connected to
- The interrogation procedures followed during questioning
- Security protocols at the questioning facility
- The immediate response to the medical emergency
Local residents in Qazigund have expressed shock and concern over the incident. The death of a well-known dry fruit seller from their community has raised questions about police procedures and the handling of terror-related investigations in the region.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir while raising important questions about interrogation protocols and suspect welfare during terrorism investigations. The case continues to develop as multiple agencies work to determine the complete sequence of events that led to this fatal outcome.
