Three missing civilians found dead near Kathua canal

Jammu: Security forces have spotted the bodies of three civilians, including a teenager, who had been missing for three days near a canal in the forested area of Billawar, Kathua. The victims were identified as Jogesh Singh, 32, Darshan Singh, 40, and Varun Singh, 15. Police confirmed that the bodies were located through technical surveillance, using a drone. However, retrieval from the gorge will take time due to the difficult terrain, and the bodies will undergo medico-legal procedures before being handed over to their families.

"The bodies were spotted using a drone, and now forces are working to recover them from the canal," said an official. Authorities are still investigating whether the deaths are related to a terror attack, accidental falls, or possible animal encounters in the forest.

The victims had gone missing while traveling to a marriage ceremony in Lohai Malhar village, Billawar tehsil. They were part of a wedding procession from Dehuta village. Locals reported sightings of "unknown suspects" in the area earlier this week.


This incident follows a similar case in February, when two bodies were found near a canal in Batheri village, also in Billawar. Preliminary investigations suggested the victims were strangled. A local resident expressed concern, saying, "Five people have been killed in less than a month. The government and administration must be held accountable. These cannot be dismissed as mysterious deaths."

Earlier this year, five army personnel were killed in an attack in Machedi, Kathua. The armed forces have since reported ongoing intelligence regarding possible infiltrations and movements in the area.