By Tehelka Web Desk
Jammu and Kashmir Police has registered an FIR against several Army personnel, including a commanding officer, for allegedly entering a police station in Kishtwar district, assaulting police personnel, and damaging government property, officials said on Thursday.
Army said the matter is being examined through official mechanisms and assured cooperation with the investigation.
According to officials, the incident took place after a police team intercepted and seized a private vehicle belonging to an Army official for alleged traffic violations.
The FIR lodged at Atholi police station stated that the incident occurred on Wednesday when Station House Officer (SHO) Inspector Amrit Kotach was attending a meeting at the office of the Paddar block development officer, chaired by the deputy commissioner.
In his complaint, Kotach alleged that he was informed about a “criminal conspiracy” and a violent assault that took place inside the police station under the instructions of Commanding Officer, 17 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), N Arun Gandhi.
The complaint alleged that around 30 to 40 personnel from 17 RR camp at Kijayee, led by Major Vikash Sharma and Naib Subedar Shankar Gurkhe, entered the police station premises after scaling the main gate and boundary wall. The SHO claimed the personnel were carrying lathis, iron rods, and other weapons.
The FIR further alleged that the Army personnel tore Kotach’s uniform and also assaulted Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Vijay Kumar Bhagat, who had reached the spot.
According to the complaint, Special Police Officer Suresh Kumar suffered serious injuries after being struck on the neck with the butt of a service rifle. Several other police personnel were also injured in the alleged assault.
The FIR stated that the Army personnel also assaulted the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) of Kishtwar and his personal security officers inside the police station.
Police further alleged that the attackers damaged government property, including the official vehicle of the ARTO, vehicles belonging to the SDPO and the SHO, and the main gate of the police station.
The case has been registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal trespass, voluntarily causing hurt and grievous hurt, assault on public servants while discharging official duties, attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, mischief causing damage to government property, and provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
