Kathua/Jammu: A shocking and tragic incident was reported from Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Tuesday evening, where a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) head constable allegedly opened fire on his colleagues with his service rifle following a dispute. Four CISF personnel, including an Assistant Commandant, were killed in the firing.
After the incident, the accused jawan was overpowered by his colleagues at the spot and was subsequently arrested by the police.
Bloody Clash at Mashka Camp in Basohli at 7:30 PM
According to officials, the incident took place at around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Mashka area near Basohli in Kathua district.
Firing followed a dispute: According to PTI, CISF Head Constable Abhidesh Kumar had an argument with some of his fellow personnel and officers over an issue. The altercation reportedly escalated, following which Abhidesh allegedly opened indiscriminate fire with his service rifle.
Victims died in hospital: Four personnel were injured in the sudden firing. Other personnel present at the camp immediately responded and rushed the critically injured victims to the nearby NHPC hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, all four succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
Identities of the Four Personnel Killed
The four CISF personnel who died in the incident have been identified as:
Ankit Kumar Pandey — Assistant Commandant
Laxman Singh — Sub-Inspector
Rafiq Ahmad — Constable
Sandeep Kumar — Constable
Accused Arrested, Service Weapon Seized; Investigation Underway
Immediately after the firing, other personnel at the site acted swiftly and overpowered Head Constable Abhidesh Kumar, disarming him. Local police and senior CISF officials were subsequently informed, and the accused was taken into custody.
Police have seized the service rifle allegedly used in the incident. Senior officials from the district police and CISF reached the scene after receiving information about the firing.
Officials said the exact circumstances behind the incident, the cause of the dispute and other aspects, including whether any personal or work-related factors contributed to the incident, are being examined as part of the departmental and police investigations.
