DODA, July 18: A youth was killed and three personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) were injured during a firing incident in the Bhaderwah area of Doda district late Thursday night, officials said.
According to police, the incident took place along the Jaie-Gandoh Road, nearly 35 kilometres from Bhaderwah town, where an SOG team had laid an ambush following reports of suspicious movement in the high-altitude area.
Officials stated that at around 11:30 PM, the SOG team intercepted a youth. During the encounter, the youth allegedly attacked the personnel and attempted to snatch a service rifle, leading to a scuffle. Police said that during the struggle, an SOG personnel opened fire.
The youth, identified as Aarif Hussain (30), a resident 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 were later referred to the Government Medical College (GMC), Doda, for specialised treatment. Officials confirmed that Aarif Hussain succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
In connection with the incident, police have detained a religious preacher for questioning. However, officials said that the exact nature of his involvement, if any, is yet to be established and investigations are ongoing.
Following the incident, security has been intensified across the Bhaderwah area. Additional deployments of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police have been made as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army has launched a search operation in the Jaie area to verify reports of suspicious movement and to ensure the security of the region.
Police said that further investigation is in progress and additional details will be shared as the inquiry advances.
(Inputs: PTI and Official Sources)