Bhaderwah, July 17: A civilian was killed and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel were injured during a firing incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district after the man allegedly attempted to snatch a police service rifle, officials said on Friday.
According to officials, an SOG team had laid an ambush along the Jaie-Gandoh road, nearly 35 kilometres from Bhaderwah town, on Thursday night following inputs about suspicious movement in the high-altitude area.
At around 11:30 pm, the team intercepted a youth who allegedly attacked the personnel and tried to snatch a service rifle. During the ensuing scuffle, one of the SOG personnel opened fire.
The youth, identified as Aarif Hussain (30), a resident of Cheeka village, sustained bullet injuries. Three SOG personnel were also injured during the confrontation.
All four were initially shifted to the Sub-District Hospital, Bhaderwah, and later referred to the Government Medical College (GMC), Doda, for specialised treatment. Aarif Hussain later succumbed to his injuries.
Police have also detained a religious preacher in connection with the incident. However, officials said the exact nature of his involvement is still being investigated.
Following the incident, security has been tightened across Bhaderwah town with additional deployments of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police personnel. Meanwhile, the Army has launched a search operation in the Jaie area as investigations continue.
