Kishtwar Village Defence Guard Dies by Suicide Amid Daughter’s Disappearance

A devastating incident unfolded in Akra village, Kuntwara area of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, where 45-year-old village defence guard Tek Chand allegedly took his own life on Saturday morning, September 20, 2025, by shooting himself with his service rifle. The tragedy, which occurred at his residence, has left the tight-knit rural community in mourning and authorities piecing together the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to local sources, Chand had been grappling with profound distress in the days leading up to the incident, triggered by the sudden disappearance of his teenage daughter, a Class 10 student. Locals claim the girl, aged approximately 16, had eloped with a boy from their own community, a development that reportedly plunged Chand into depression.

He had filed a formal complaint with the local police regarding his daughter’s disappearance, but the lack of resolution appeared to weigh heavily on him. “He was a dedicated guard, but this personal tragedy broke him,” said a neighbor, requesting anonymity.

Chand, a long-serving member of the Village Defence Guard (VDG) program, was tasked with protecting his community against potential security threats in the militancy-prone region of Kishtwar. Known for his commitment, he was described by villagers as a responsible father and a respected figure. However, the emotional toll of his daughter’s absence reportedly overwhelmed him, leading to the fatal decision.

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Police were alerted to the incident early Saturday morning and promptly arrived at the scene. “We received information about a gunshot at Tek Chand’s residence. Upon arrival, we found him deceased with a self-inflicted wound,” a senior police official stated. The body was transported to a local hospital for a mandatory post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death. Authorities have assured that the body will be handed over to Chand’s family for last rites once the formalities are completed.

The Kishtwar police have launched an inquest to investigate the circumstances, including Chand’s mental state and the events leading to his daughter’s disappearance. “We are looking into all aspects, including the complaint he filed about his daughter. Counseling support is being offered to the family,” the official added. The incident has reignited discussions about the mental health challenges faced by security personnel in high-stress regions, with calls for better support systems within the VDG framework.

As Akra village grieves, the community is rallying to support Chand’s family, including his wife and other relatives, while authorities work to locate the missing teenager. The tragedy underscores the personal struggles that can afflict even those tasked with safeguarding others, casting a somber shadow over Kishtwar.

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