Two Special Police Officers who went missing during patrol in J&K’s Kishtwar found dead

Reports said locals heard gunshots in the area between Kiyar and Derana on Wednesday afternoon, shortly before the two SPOs went missing.

Two Special Police Officers (SPOs), who went missing along with their weapons while on patrol in Kishtwar on Wednesday afternoon, were found dead on Thursday, people familiar with the matter said.

Security personnel and locals outside the residence of Special Police Officer (SPO) Bashir Ahmed, who allegedly went missing along with his service rifle from Police Picket Trigham, in Kishtwar district. (PTI)

The deceased were identified as Rashpal Kumar, 40, and Babbi Chand, 54, both residents of Dachan. Official confirmation is awaited.

Reports said locals heard gunshots in the area between Kiyar and Derana on Wednesday afternoon, shortly before the two SPOs went missing.

Deep Dive

Who were the two SPOs found dead in Kishtwar?

Where did the two SPOs go missing during patrol in Kishtwar?

What was known about the circumstances of the SPOs' disappearance?

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“The duo was reportedly part of a patrol. They were on their way to makeshift base of 17 RR in Basnan area of Inderwal. It is a remote area and mobile connectivity is poor,” said a police officer.

Following their disappearance, a massive joint search operation was launched by the police, CRPF and Army to trace them. Security teams were deployed in the surrounding areas to establish their whereabouts and ascertain the circumstances surrounding their disappearance, officials said.

Both the SPOs of police were deployed with the 17 RR for patrolling the area. It may be stated here that upper reaches of the Dachhan and Marwah in Kishtwar region had remained a safe haven for the terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen during peak militancy in Doda region.