Injuries indicate 3 civilians found dead in Jammu’s Kathua likely fell into a gorge

Citing the preliminary findings, official sources told The Indian Express that two of the deceased had head injuries, which may have been sustained in a fall from the hill into the nearly 300-foot-deep gorge. The third victim had vascular vessels in his left shoulder damaged, which may have happened after his body hit the branches of some trees while falling into the gorge, sources said. Sources also said a backpack that one of the deceased may have been carrying was found stuck in the branches of a tree in the gorge.

Sources said the preliminary findings do not indicate bullet marks or injuries from sharp-edged weapons.

Yogesh (32), Darshan (40) and Varun (14; not shown in picture), are believed to be cousins, a police officer said. (Express Photo)

The deceased – cousins Yogesh (32) and Darshan (40) and their nephew Varun (14) – were found dead in a river on Saturday evening.

They were part of a wedding procession going from Billawar’s Dehota village to Surag village in Malhar on Thursday evening. When the procession was around Inchhu forests around 8.30 pm, they reportedly got separated.

On reaching Surag, other members of the wedding party could not find them and the police were alerted.

Since the area is known for militant sightings, police and security forces started the search operation, keeping in mind the possibility of a terror angle.

Before the police could offer a formal comment on the cause of death, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh took to social media and posted on X, “The brutal killing of three youths by terrorists in Bani area of district Kathua is extremely sad as well as a matter of great concern. There seems to be a deep conspiracy to spoil the peaceful atmosphere in this area.”

In Billawar town, speculation that the three had been killed by militants had led to a bandh being called by locals.

Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan also visited Jammu and reviewed the situation with high-ranking officers from the police, paramilitary and security forces.

Dr Rameshwar Singh, the local MLA, was manhandled by protesters when he went to meet the families of the victims at the hospital.

In a post on X, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation, and all the necessary support to the families will be provided. I assure the people that the perpetrators will be brought to book at the earliest. Justice will be ensured and accountability will be fixed.”

I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the brutal killing of Varun Singh, Yogesh Singh and Darshan Singh of Kathua. In this hour of grief, I offer my deepest condolences to their families and friends.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) March 9, 2025

Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during his address in the Legislative Assembly, had said attempts were being made to give a political colour to the deaths.