One Killed, Three SOG Personnel Injured In Bhaderwah Firing; Internet Suspended

BHADERWAH, Jul 17: A man was killed and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel were injured in a firing incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district after the man allegedly attempted to snatch a service rifle from security personnel, officials said on Friday. The incident took place late Thursday night along the Jaie-Gandoh road, around 35 km from Bhaderwah town, where an SOG team had laid an ambush following reports of suspicious movement in the high-altitude area. According to officials, the SOG team intercepted a youth at around 11:30 pm. During the encounter, he allegedly attacked the personnel and tried to snatch a service rifle, triggering a scuffle. “During the struggle, an SOG jawan opened fire,” an official said. The youth, identified as Aarif Hussain (30) of Cheeka village, sustained bullet injuries. Three SOG personnel were also injured in the incident. All four were initially shifted to the Sub-District Hospital, Bhaderwah, and later referred to the Government Medical College, Doda, for specialised treatment. Aarif Hussain later succumbed to his injuries. Police have detained a religious preacher in connection with the incident. However, officials said his exact link to the case is yet to be established. As a precautionary measure, additional deployments of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police have been made in Bhaderwah town, while the Army has launched a search operation in the Jaie area. Meanwhile, the district administration has suspended internet services in Bhaderwah as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.