A suspected bovine smuggler was killed after an alleged attempt to snatch a policeman’s service weapon led to the accidental discharge of a firearm during a police operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district late on Thursday night, police said.
A police officer also suffered serious head injuries during the scuffle and is undergoing treatment.
Scuffle broke out during police operation
According to police, a Special Operations Group (SOG) team noticed suspicious movement in the Jai Valley area and challenged two persons moving under suspicious circumstances.
During the operation, a scuffle broke out after one of the suspects allegedly tried to snatch a policeman’s service weapon. Police said a single round was fired during the struggle, injuring one of the suspects.
The injured man was immediately taken to a hospital, where he later died.
He was identified as Arif, a resident of Bhaderwah. Police sources said the incident took place around 25 kilometres from his home.
Police officer seriously injured, second suspect absconding
Police said one officer sustained serious head injuries during the confrontation and is receiving medical treatment. Reports said three SOG personnel were injured in the incident, with one suffering critical head injuries.
The second suspect managed to flee from the spot, and a search operation has been launched to trace him.
No terror angle, say police
Police ruled out any terror angle in the incident, saying the preliminary investigation suggests that the deceased was allegedly involved in bovine smuggling.
Officials said the operation was launched after police received information about suspicious movement in the high-altitude Jai Valley area. During the attempt to intercept the suspects, one of them allegedly attacked security personnel and tried to snatch a service rifle, triggering the scuffle.
Police have also detained a religious preacher for questioning in connection with the incident. However, officials clarified that no link between the preacher and the case has been established so far.
