Tension gripped the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday following a fatal police firing incident in Bhaderwah late Thursday evening. A 35-year-old man, identified as Arif Hussain, a resident of Cheeka village, lost his life during an alleged scuffle with personnel from the Special Operations Group (SOG). Two SOG personnel sustained injuries in the exchange.
The incident occurred at the Jai tourist spot in Bhaderwah, where a checkpoint had been established by the SOG, a specialized unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police known for its involvement in counter-terrorism operations alongside the Army. According to police officials, a confrontation ensued when Hussain reportedly attempted to snatch the service weapon of an SOG officer at the Jai-Gandoh Road checkpoint. During the ensuing struggle, the weapon discharged, resulting in fatal injuries to Hussain.
However, family members of the deceased and local residents have contested the police narrative, alleging that Hussain was killed in cold blood. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the family was informed of the incident around 3 am on Friday. Hussain, an e-rickshaw driver, had reportedly gone to the scenic Jai area with friends for a picnic. His close relative, Amjad Hussain, stated that the deceased is survived by a four-year-old son, and his wife is eight months pregnant. He has called for a thorough investigation into the matter and demanded punishment for any police personnel found responsible for wrongdoing.
In an effort to quell the spread of rumours and maintain order, the district administration suspended mobile internet services across Doda. Protesters gathered, raising slogans against the police and demanding accountability for Hussain’s death. The police have remained largely tight-lipped about the specifics of the incident, with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Doda, Kartik Shrotriya, not responding to queries at the time of reporting.
Dr. Tanvir Ahmad, Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Doda, confirmed that three individuals were brought to the hospital: the deceased and the two injured police personnel. A medical board conducted a post-mortem examination on Arif Hussain, and his viscera samples have been sent to the forensic laboratory in Jammu for further analysis. Dr. Ahmad stated that Hussain succumbed to two bullet wounds to the abdomen. The two injured policemen sustained minor injuries and are reported to be in stable condition.
Following the post-mortem, Hussain’s body was handed over to his family. They subsequently staged a protest by placing the body on the road, demanding justice. To prevent any escalation of the law and order situation, additional security forces, including troops from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been deployed in Bhaderwah and other areas of the Doda district.
The SOG, a critical component of the J&K Police’s counter-insurgency strategy, operates in areas identified as sensitive to terrorism and frequently collaborates with the Indian Army in joint operations. The incident at the Jai checkpoint raises questions about the procedures and protocols followed during such security operations, particularly concerning interactions with civilians. The conflicting accounts from the police and the victim’s family underscore the need for a transparent and impartial investigation to ascertain the precise circumstances that led to the death of Arif Hussain and the injury of the two police officers.
The deployment of additional security forces highlights the sensitivity of the situation in Doda, a region that has historically experienced periods of unrest. The administration’s decision to suspend mobile internet services is a common measure taken in such circumstances to prevent the rapid dissemination of unverified information that could incite further public anger or unrest. The community’s demand for accountability and a fair probe is a significant aspect of the ongoing situation, with the outcome of the investigation expected to be crucial in restoring public confidence.
The family’s plea for justice, coupled with the protests, indicates a deep-seated concern within the local population regarding the conduct of security forces. The involvement of the SOG, a unit tasked with high-stakes anti-terror operations, adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. The official police version of events, which points to an attempt to snatch a weapon, stands in stark contrast to the family’s assertion of a deliberate killing. The forensic analysis of the viscera samples and the weapon’s discharge mechanism will be critical in corroborating or refuting the claims made by both sides. The injured police personnel are expected to provide their accounts, which will be vital for the investigative process. The broader implications of this incident for community relations with the security apparatus in the region are yet to be fully understood, but it has undoubtedly cast a shadow of tension over Doda.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply