Security concerns have intensified in Jammu and Kashmir after the bullet-riddled bodies of two missing Special Police Officers (SPOs) were recovered from the forest area of Kishtwar district on Thursday. The recovery comes alongside another security operation in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, where two hand grenades were seized and a suspect was arrested.
Both developments have drawn attention to security operations across the region.
Missing SPOs Found Dead in Kishtwar
The deceased personnel have been identified as Rashpal Kumar, aged 45, and Babi Chand, aged 57. Both were residents of Kiyar Dachhan and were attached to the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The two officers had gone missing on November 10 after being assigned rotation duty at an Army camp in the Dharna area of the Marwah sector. They reportedly failed to reach their designated temporary operating base, following which a search operation was launched.
Their bodies were subsequently recovered from a forest area in Dachhan. Both had sustained bullet injuries, while their service weapons were missing from the recovery site.
Search Operation Intensified
The disappearance and subsequent recovery of the bodies have prompted security forces to intensify search and cordon operations in the surrounding areas. Officials are investigating the circumstances behind the killings and attempting to trace the missing service weapons.
The possibility of militant involvement is also being examined, although the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Two Hand Grenades Seized in Baramulla
In a separate development, Baramulla Police, along with the BSF, Army and CRPF, apprehended a man during an area domination patrol in the Baderkote forest area of Tangmarg.
The arrested individual was identified as Ghulam Jeelani Reshi, a resident of Baderkote. One hand grenade was recovered from his possession, while another concealed grenade was recovered from the forest following his disclosure.
An FIR has been registered at Tangmarg Police Station. Investigators are examining the source and intended use of the explosives, along with possible links to other individuals.
The two developments have prompted heightened vigilance among security agencies across Jammu and Kashmir.