HM Amit Shah, LG Sinha order probe; NSG begins security audit

Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to National Conference president Farooq Abdullah to enquire about his well-being following the gun attack on him in Jammu a night earlier and assured that a thorough investigation into the incident will be carried out.
According to officials, Shah called Abdullah after the firing incident and conveyed concern over the assassination attempt, assuring that a high-level probe was already underway.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Abdullah confirmed the call from the Union home minister. “I received a call from the Union home minister who asked about my well-being and assured me that they would investigate the matter thoroughly. The inquiry is essential,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also spoke to Abdullah and directed police to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attack.
Sources said the Lieutenant Governor instructed Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the incident and ensure swift action against those responsible. Senior officials have also been asked to ensure “airtight security” for protected persons in the wake of the firing incident.
In New Delhi, officials said the National Security Guard (NSG) will conduct a comprehensive security audit of all Z-plus category VIPs following the attack on the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister.
The elite “Black Cats” commando force currently provides protection to nine high-risk dignitaries, including Abdullah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
Officials said it is standard protocol for the NSG to review security arrangements whenever an extraordinary incident involves one of its protectees. While the NSG is responsible for immediate close protection, local police and other agencies are tasked with sanitising venues and preventing the entry of armed individuals.
The security review will examine whether there were any lapses during Wednesday night’s incident when a gunman allegedly fired at Abdullah from point-blank range while he was leaving a wedding function in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu.
CCTV footage from the venue showed an NSG commando and a police officer intercepting the attacker moments after the shot was fired. Security personnel quickly overpowered the gunman while Abdullah was immediately evacuated from the venue in a high-speed convoy.
Police have identified the accused as Kamal Singh Jamwal (63), a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu. Officials said he has been arrested and a case has been registered against him under relevant sections of law, including attempt to murder and illegal firing.
A court in Jammu on Thursday remanded the accused to five days’ police custody for further questioning. Jamwal was produced before the city court amid tight security, where police sought his custodial interrogation to ascertain the motive behind the attack and to verify whether he had any links with any organisation or individual.
After hearing both sides, the court granted five days’ police remand and directed police to ensure that the accused undergoes a medical check-up every 24 hours during custody.
Superintendent of Police (South) Jammu Ajay Sharma said a formal case has been registered and investigation into the incident is underway. In a post on X, Sharma said FIR No. 29 under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 3/25 of the Arms Act has been registered in connection with the firing incident.
“Regarding yesterday’s incident, FIR No. 29 U/S 109 BNS & 3/25 IAA registered. Visit by team of officers to scene of crime taken, weapon recovered and seized. Medical of accused conducted and a detailed investigation into incident is underway covering all angles. Updates shall be shared periodically,” he said.
Earlier, Jamwal was taken to a hospital for medical examination before being produced in court.
Speaking briefly to reporters while being escorted by police, Jamwal claimed that he acted on his own. “I have not done this at the behest of anyone. I have fired at him,” he said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused acted alone and no further arrests are expected at this stage. However, police are examining Jamwal’s background, personal connections and past activities to determine the motive behind the attack.
Officials said Jamwal allegedly told investigators that he had been waiting for an opportunity to target Abdullah for nearly 20 years, though he did not provide any clear reason for the grudge. He was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Police said the licensed pistol used in the firing has been recovered from the accused.
According to officials, Jamwal had accompanied the wedding procession to the venue as he was related to the groom’s family. Abdullah had attended the wedding on the invitation of a party colleague whose daughter was getting married.
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s adviser Nasir Aslam Wani were also present with the National Conference chief at the function when the attack took place.
Investigators are now reviewing security arrangements at the venue to determine how the accused managed to enter the function with a firearm.
Meanwhile, political leaders across parties have condemned the attack. BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal described the incident as unacceptable and called for a thorough and transparent investigation to bring out the complete facts and ensure strict action against the accused.