The search operation to recover the body of a 28-year-old man who jumped into a stream in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district entered its fourth day on Wednesday. The incident took place on Sunday along the Srinagar–Jammu highway in the Ramsoo area.
The youth, identified as Tanveer Ahmad Chopan of Mundkhal, Pogal in Ramban, was reportedly transporting a milch cow and two calves when he was allegedly chased and assaulted by suspected cow vigilantes. According to officials, he jumped into a fast-flowing stream near Makerkote in Ramsoo and has remained untraced since then.
His father serves as a Special Police Officer (SPO) in the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Multi-agency rescue operation underway
Officials said teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), and civil administration are jointly carrying out the search operation. Local volunteers have also joined the efforts.
However, strong water currents and difficult terrain have made recovery efforts challenging.
A senior police officer said the operation is being carried out daily but suspended at night due to safety concerns.
“We are continuing the search operation. It will go on until the body is recovered,” Superintendent of Police (Ramban) Arun Gupta said.
Four arrested as SIT probe continues
Police have registered a case and set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. So far, four people have been arrested in connection with the case. Officials said digital evidence and other material are being examined.
Authorities added that all aspects, including allegations of involvement of cow vigilantes, are being investigated.
Locals protest, demand strict action
The incident has triggered anger in the area, with locals staging protests and blocking the Srinagar–Jammu highway. Residents are demanding strict action against those allegedly involved in chasing and assaulting the youth.
Locals have described the incident as “murder” and demanded justice for the family.
Omar Abdullah condemns cow vigilantism
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly criticised cow vigilantism in connection with the case, calling it an example of lawlessness and “goondaism”.
“Who has given them the authority to stop people transporting cattle? We will not allow jungle raj here,” he said, questioning the actions of self-styled vigilantes.
He added that transporting cattle is not illegal and stressed that no private group has the right to take law enforcement into its own hands.
The Chief Minister also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure strict action against those responsible so that a strong message is sent against such activities.
Background of the incident
According to officials, the youth was travelling on Sunday when his vehicle was allegedly intercepted. Reports suggest he was chased by a group of men claiming to be cow vigilantes, after which he jumped into the stream and went missing.
The case has sparked political and public debate in the Union Territory over rising incidents of vigilantism and the need for strict enforcement of law.
