Jammu and Kashmir , March 9, 2025-, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered a thorough and transparent investigation into the killings of three individuals in Kathua district, as reported by multiple news outlets. The bodies of Varun Singh (15), Yogesh Singh (32), and Darshan Singh (40)—relatives from the same family—were discovered on Saturday, March 8, near a waterfall in the remote Malhar area of Kathua’s higher reaches. The trio had gone missing on March 5 while traveling to attend a wedding in the Lohai Malhar region, prompting a large-scale search operation involving the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group.
The Lieutenant Governor, expressed shock and sadness over the “brutal killing” and assured the public that the perpetrators would be brought to justice swiftly. “I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation, and all the necessary support to the families will be provided,” the statement read. “Justice will be ensured and accountability will be fixed.” The directive comes amid heightened scrutiny following initial speculation of an accident, supported by a family member’s claim that one of the missing individuals had called to say they were lost in the hills. However, a post by the terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF) hinting at a possible kidnapping has raised questions, with the cause of death awaiting confirmation through post-mortem results.
The killings have drawn widespread attention, with LG Manoj Sinha’s condemnation and call for accountability reflecting the administration’s stance against such violence in a region marked by ongoing security challenges. Clarity on the circumstances—whether accidental or a targeted act—remains pending, but the Lieutenant Governor’s order underscores a commitment to uncovering the truth and supporting the affected families.