Kishtwar, Nov 12: The search for two Special Police Officers (SPOs) who went missing while proceeding towards an Army operating base in the remote Marwah area of Kishtwar ended in tragedy on Thursday, with their bullet-riddled bodies recovered from the Deherna forest area.
The deceased have been identified as SPO Rashpal Kumar and SPO Babbi Chand, both deployed at Police Post Kiyar. They had gone missing on Wednesday while heading towards the Temporary Operating Base (TOB) of the Army’s 17 Rashtriya Rifles at Deherna Top to join their rotational duty.
Following the recovery of their bodies, security forces launched a massive search operation across the Deherna forests and adjoining areas of Marwah. Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the area, while drones and sniffer dogs have been deployed to track possible movement, trace those responsible and recover the missing service weapons.
According to information available, firing involving around 20 to 25 rounds was reported at approximately 4:30 pm on Wednesday from the Bachnan forest area, falling within the Anderwan Forest Block of Deherna. The firing was reported around the time the two SPOs were proceeding towards the Army’s temporary operating base.
The personnel were initially accompanied up to Kiyar Top by a Special Operations Group (SOG) party from Police Post Kiyar, headed by In-charge SgCT Nisar Ahmed. After reaching Kiyar Top, they proceeded further towards the TOB along with pony porters, while the SOG party returned to Police Post Kiyar.
However, the two SPOs failed to reach their destination, triggering a search operation involving Police Station Marwah, SOG Marwah and personnel of the Army’s 17 Rashtriya Rifles. The two personnel being relieved from rotational duty at the TOB safely reached Police Post Kiyar.
Both SPOs were carrying their service weapons and ammunition when they went missing. Rashpal Kumar was armed with an INSAS rifle and 60 rounds, while Babbi Chand was carrying a .303 rifle with 50 rounds. Their weapons have reportedly not been recovered.
National media reports said the bodies bore bullet injuries, indicating that the personnel were killed. However, the circumstances surrounding their deaths and the identity of those responsible remain unclear. (KNT)
