A civilian allegedly died of “gunshot wounds” in the Chenab Valley’s Bhaderwah on Friday. At least two personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operation Group (SOG), a special anti-insurgency unit, were also injured in the incident. Authorities have snapped Internet services in the region as a precautionary measure.
“Around 3 a.m., three patients were admitted [to the Doda hospital]. One 35-year-old patient was brought dead. He had (a) gunshot wound. A medical board of doctors conducted the postmortem. The samples were sent to the forensic laboratory in Jammu,” said Tanvir Ahmad, Medical Superintendent of Doda District Hospital.
The doctor said the other two patients “have minor injuries on the face, head and back”. “They are stable,” he added.
The police have not issued any statement on the circumstances under which the civilian died. Initial reports suggest the victim, Aarif Hussain, is a resident of Cheeka village.
The incident forced the authorities to suspend Internet services as a “precautionary measure” in Doda, Bhaderwah, Bhalesa, and Thatri of the Chenab Valley. Extra deployments were made in many sensitive areas. Several locals have started demanding “a fair and transparent investigation” to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the firing.
Preliminary information suggested that the incident took place when the SOG team laid an ambush along the Jaie-Gandoh road, 35 km from Bhaderwah town. Around 11.30 p.m., the police team spotted the youth in the area.
The victim’s wife, who is pregnant, joined protesters in Bhaderwah and sought justice. Hundreds of locals assembled in Bhaderwah and protested over the “killing of innocent civilian”. “No law allows you [police] to fire at a civilian, leave a wife widow and children orphan. If he was responsible for anything, he should have been arrested. These killings are carried out for medals,” said a protester.
Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti termed the incident “deeply disturbing”.
“The administration must act swiftly to establish the facts and ensure accountability. Jammu and Kashmir must not be allowed to slide towards a situation where allegations of cow smuggling become a pretext for mob violence and the killing of Muslims,” said Ms. Mufti.
Ruling National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah also expressed “deep anguish and concern” over the incident. “At a time when conflicting accounts are circulating, it is essential that the facts are established through a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation. Such an inquiry should inspire public confidence and ensure that accountability follows wherever it is warranted,” said Mr. Ruhullah.
Published - July 17, 2026 04:00 pm IST