Hyderabad, Feb. 7 -- Authorities in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, have launched independent probes into the death of a tribal man identified as Makhan Din amid allegations of custodial abuse and suicide. District Magistrate Rakesh Minhas ordered an official magisterial inquiry to determine the cause of death.

The 25-year-old Billawar resident from the Gujjar community was found dead late Wednesday. The inquiry team, led by Tehsildar Lohai Malhar, has been instructed to submit a detailed report within five days, recording witness statements and following legal procedures.

Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG at Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, initiated a departmental inquiry. Police have ordered an immediate report and urged public cooperation while dismissing...