The accused, alleged to be cops including one under suspension, absconding
Police sets up SIT for investigations; seize two vehicles and sharp edged weapons from crime scene
BUNTY MAHAJAN
JAMMU, NOVEMBER 5: At least two people were killed and an equal number of others injured in an alleged shootout on Friday morning near Chak Harni village in Arnia area of Jammu and Kashmir.
Identifying the deceased as Arif Khan and Mohammad Sabbar and the injured as Babbar and Parveen Kumar, sources said most of them were notorious criminals. While one of them 19 FIRs, another had at least six with offences ranging from murder, attempt to murder, drugs and extortion. Two of the victims had come out of the jail recently, they added.
The injured have been hospital and their condition was stated to be critical.
The alleged accused, Harminder Singh and Sajid Ali, were both constables in the Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police. The latter was, at present, under suspension.
The shootout reportedly took place around 8.30 am when victims driving a Scorpio from Phinder side near the international border and the accused in Thar vehicle from the side of Simbal came face to face near Chak Harni village, sources said. Both sides armed with sharp edged weapons and fire arms initially had a brief argument leading to clash between them.
The cops opened fire from an SLR killing two on the spot and critically injuring two others. Thereafter, they left their Thar vehicle there and fled from the spot in the vehicle of the victims.
Police said that though the exact cause will be ascertained after the outcome of investigations, preliminary findings suggest that money dispute was the provocation.
The local villagers, however, alleged that both the sides were dealing in drugs and their vehicles were often seen passing through the area, either moving towards or coming from the side of the international border.
Senior police officers including SSP Jammu, Chandan Kohli reached the spot. Forensic experts were also called to examine the spot and collect evidence.
The police case has been registered and seized two vehicles, apart from sharp edged weapons and sticks from the site of crime. A special investigation team led by SP (Headquarters) has been constituted to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, sources said that the empties of the bullets seized from the spot were of SLR. As per initial investigations, the provocation appears to be money dispute, sources said.
