Death of Man During Police Checkpost in Doda Sparks Protests, Internet Suspended
The death of a 30-year-old man during a confrontation with police in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Thursday night led to protests and the suspension of mobile internet services on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Arif Hussain, a resident of Cheeka village in Bhaderwah sub-division.
According to local residents, Hussain was an auto driver and was shot by personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operation Group (SOG) at Jai, a popular tourist spot near Bhaderwah. They alleged that an acquaintance who tried to intervene was beaten by the SOG personnel.
Police officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, gave a different account. They said that SOG personnel had set up a checkpost on the Jai-Gandoh road, about 35 kilometres from Bhaderwah, following information about suspected bovine smugglers. Around 11:30 pm, they intercepted two individuals who allegedly attacked the personnel and attempted to snatch an automatic weapon. During the scuffle, the weapon discharged, injuring Hussain. The other person escaped, police said.
Three police personnel were injured in the incident and were taken to the sub-district hospital in Bhaderwah and later to the Government Medical College Hospital in Doda. Hussain was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
News of the death sparked protests in Bhaderwah and surrounding areas. The Anjuman-e-Islamia, Bhaderwah, called for a bandh (shutdown). Police took one local resident into custody. The district administration suspended mobile internet services in Doda district on Friday morning. Senior civil and police officers were deployed to monitor the situation.
After a post-mortem, Hussain's body was handed over to his family, who took it to Bhalla, where a large crowd gathered in protest. The family has demanded a fair inquiry. The situation later normalised in most parts of the district, including Doda town, where shops and businesses remained open. Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were deployed at sensitive locations.
No official statement has been issued by the district administration or police regarding the incident.
