Major and Commanding Officer Among Army Personnel Booked for Alleged Assault on Police Inside Kishtwar Station

IIOJK: In a rare and serious incident highlighting tensions between security forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered an FIR against several Army personnel, including a Commanding Officer of 17 Rashtriya Rifles and a Major, for allegedly storming Police Station Atholi in Kishtwar district, assaulting officers on duty, and damaging public property.

According to the FIR, the incident occurred on Wednesday when police intercepted and seized a private vehicle belonging to family members of a senior Army officer for alleged traffic violations. The vehicle was brought to the station, triggering the confrontation.

Police sources claim that Army personnel from the 17 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Kijayee, led by Major Vikash Sharma and Naib Subedar Shankar Gurkhe under the directions of Commanding Officer Colonel N Arun Gandhi, scaled the main gate and boundary wall of the police station. The group, numbering around 30-35, allegedly launched a “pre-planned” attack armed with sticks, iron rods, and service weapons.

Station House Officer Inspector Amrit Katoch, who was away attending a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, rushed back after receiving a call about the incident. He alleged that he was physically assaulted, his uniform was torn, and other officers including Sub-Divisional Police Officer Vijay Kumar Bhagat were also attacked. Special Police Officer Suresh Kumar reportedly sustained serious injuries after being struck on the neck with the butt of a service rifle.

The FIR further accuses the Army personnel of assaulting the Assistant Regional Transport Officer and his security personnel, while causing extensive damage to government vehicles and the station’s main gate. Charges include unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal trespass, voluntarily causing hurt and grievous hurt, assault on public servants, attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, mischief to public property, and violations under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh confirmed that investigations are underway.

In response, the Indian Army has assured full cooperation. Jammu-based Defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal stated that the matter is under examination through appropriate institutional mechanisms. The Army will extend full cooperation in the legal process, and appropriate actions will be taken based on the outcome of the joint investigation. At this stage, it would be premature to comment further while investigations are in progress.