Jammu and Kashmir Police Establish Special Investigation Team for Farooq Abdullah Attack Probe
In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have officially constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the recent assassination attempt on National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah. Officials confirmed this action on Saturday, emphasizing the serious nature of the case.
High-Level Investigation Ordered by Police Leadership
Jammu Zone Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bhim Sen Tuti issued the order to establish the SIT, placing it under the direct supervision of a deputy inspector general of police for the Jammu-Samba-Kathua range. This decision was made considering the "seriousness and sensitivity" of the incident, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive probe.
Details of the Assassination Attempt
The terrifying incident occurred on Wednesday night when Abdullah, a prominent political figure, had a miraculous escape from a gunman's attack. As he was leaving a marriage function at the Royal Park banquet hall in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu, an individual approached from behind and opened fire with a revolver.
Thanks to the prompt and decisive action of police personnel deployed for his security, the assassination attempt was successfully foiled. The 63-year-old accused, identified as Kamal Singh, a resident of Jammu, was immediately overpowered and arrested at the scene. Authorities also recovered the revolver used in the crime from his possession.
Official Police Statement and Legal Action
In his order issued on March 12, IGP Bhim Sen Tuti provided specific details: "At about 10 pm (on March 11), while the protectee (Abdullah) was leaving the (marriage) venue, an individual flashed a revolver and attempted to open fire from close range. However, owing to the prompt action of the police personnel deployed with the protectee, the attempt was foiled."
A formal case has been registered at Police Station Gangyal in Jammu under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3/25 of the Arms Act. The police shared a copy of this official order on Saturday evening, confirming their commitment to a transparent investigation process.
Composition of the Special Investigation Team
The newly formed SIT comprises experienced police officers who will lead the investigation:
- Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Sharma
- Superintendent of Police, headquarters (Jammu) Irshad Hussain Rather
- Deputy Superintendent of Police Arvind Kumar Sambyal
- Inspectors Saroop Singh, Paramjeet Singh, Sanjeev Chib, and Shariq Majeed
Mandate for Thorough and Timely Investigation
The police order explicitly directs the SIT to "complete the investigation promptly and thoroughly, adhering to the statutory timeframe." This underscores the urgency and importance placed on resolving this high-profile case, which has drawn significant attention across the region.
The establishment of this specialized team reflects the Jammu and Kashmir Police's determination to ensure justice and maintain public confidence in security measures for political leaders.
