Man Killed, 3 Police Injured in Doda Firing After Alleged Rifle Snatch Attempt
JAMMU: A man was killed and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police were injured in a firing incident late Thursday night in the Doda district, officials said on Friday. The incident occurred when an SOG team intercepted the man during an ambush along the Jaie-Gandoh road following intelligence about suspicious movement.
According to police, the man allegedly attacked the personnel and attempted to snatch a service rifle. In the ensuing scuffle, an SOG jawan opened fire, hitting the man. He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Three police personnel also sustained injuries and are undergoing treatment, with their condition reported to be stable.
Police have detained a religious preacher for questioning, though his involvement has not been established. "We are investigating all aspects of the incident, including the background of the deceased and the preacher," a police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The SOG is a specialised unit of the Jammu and Kashmir Police focused on anti-militancy operations. Doda district, located in the Jammu region, has a history of militant activity, and security forces regularly conduct operations to maintain peace. The incident underscores the volatile security situation in the area, though officials maintain that such encounters are becoming less frequent.
Local residents have expressed shock and demanded a transparent inquiry. Meanwhile, police have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to ensure no other suspects are at large. A case has been registered under relevant sections of law, and investigation is ongoing.
The deceased's identity has not been released pending family notification. The injured personnel are stable, and further updates are awaited.
This incident comes amid a broader context of security operations in Jammu and Kashmir, where the government has emphasised zero tolerance for militant activity while ensuring the safety of civilians.
