Two Special Police Officers Killed in Kishtwar, J&K: Six Detained; NIA Team Probes Kulgam CRPF Post Attack

Jammu: Police have detained six people in connection with the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district. The bodies of both officers had been found in a remote area. They had bullet marks on them. Officials believe the terrorists also took away their service weapons.

Meanwhile, a team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing the attack on a CRPF post in Kulgam. The team is examining forensic evidence from the attack site, according to official sources.

Set Out on Patrol

Information has emerged that steel-core, armour-piercing bullets were used in the attack. According to officials, the deceased have been identified as Babi Chand (57) and Rashpal Kumar (45). Both were posted with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the local police in Kishtwar's Dachhan area. They set out from their camp for patrolling duty at an Army post, towards Deharna-Marwah. They went missing during this time.

Knew the Area Well

Both were local residents and knew the area well. Initially, their mobile phones were found switched on, but after some time the phones went off. Security forces then began a search operation. On Thursday morning, special teams were sent into the area with additional personnel. Drones and sniffer dogs were also used in the search. The bodies were found between Kiyar and Deharna villages at an altitude of about 8,858 feet. Security agencies are on alert after the attack.

Officials Say Pakistan-Made Cartridges Found at Spot

According to officials, the terrorists are believed to have taken the service rifles of both SPOs. One was an INSAS and the other a .303 rifle. Magazines and some cartridges are also missing. Officials said empty cartridge cases of Pakistan-made, steel-core ammunition capable of piercing armour were found at the spot. The weapons used in the attack are being investigated on this basis.

Bodies Carried 12 to 15 km on Foot

After legal and medical formalities were completed on Friday, the bodies were handed over to the families. Because of the difficult terrain and the lack of road facilities, the bodies had to be carried on foot for about 12 to 15 kilometres. There is no all-weather road in the Dachhan area. Deharna is about 14 kilometres from the Marwah tehsil headquarters. Four terrorists have been killed in Kishtwar so far this year. Security forces' operations continue in the area.