An FIR has been registered against several Army personnel, including officers of the 17 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), in connection with an alleged assault on police personnel and damage to government property at Police Station Atholi in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.
According to FIR No. 17/2026, the incident allegedly took place between 12 noon and 1 pm on June 24.
Police have claimed that a group of around 30 to 40 Army personnel entered the police station premises and engaged in violent confrontation, leading to injuries and damage to official property.
Allegation of Forced Entry and Assault
The FIR states that the personnel allegedly scaled the main gate and boundary wall of the police station before entering the premises. The group is said to have been armed with lathis, iron rods, and service weapons.
It further alleges that police officers on duty, including Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Amrit Kotach and SDPO Atholi Vijay Kumar Bhagat, were assaulted during the incident.
“The SHO and SDPO were attacked, and the SHO’s uniform was torn during the scuffle,” the complaint states.
A Special Police Officer (SPO), Suresh Kumar, was allegedly struck on the neck with the butt of a rifle and sustained injuries, while several other personnel were also reportedly hurt.
Damage to Government Property Alleged
The FIR also mentions extensive damage to government property. Vehicles belonging to the SHO, SDPO, and Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) were allegedly vandalised. The main gate of the police station was also reportedly damaged during the incident.
Police have invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including serious charges such as unlawful assembly, rioting, assault on public servants, and attempt to murder, along with provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Names Mentioned in the FIR
The FIR names several Army personnel, including Commanding Officer N. Arun Gandhi, Major Vikas Sharma, Naib Subedar Shankar Gurkhe, and other personnel such as GD Raj Kumar, Sepoy Rahul Kumar, Sepoy Anoop Singh, and Sepoy Omkar Ingale, along with 30–40 unidentified individuals.
Police allege the group acted with “common intention” and carried out a coordinated attack inside the police station premises.
Trigger Behind the Incident Under Investigation
Preliminary reports suggest the confrontation may have followed the interception and seizure of a private vehicle linked to an Army official for alleged traffic violations. However, the exact sequence of events is still under investigation.
According to officials, the SHO was away at a meeting when he received information about the alleged disturbance at the police station and rushed back.
Army Response: Matter Under Examination
The Indian Army has acknowledged the FIR and stated that the matter is under examination through appropriate institutional mechanisms.
An Army spokesperson said the force will fully cooperate with the investigation and that any action will be taken based on the outcome of a joint inquiry.
“At this stage, it would be premature to comment further while investigations are in progress,” the Army said.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have registered a case under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and related laws. Officials said statements are being recorded and evidence is being collected as part of the ongoing probe.
