SecurityForces – Kishtwar Police Register FIR Against Army Personnel After Police Station Clash
SecurityForces – Police in Jammu and Kashmir have registered a criminal case after an alleged confrontation involving Army personnel and local police officials at a police station in Kishtwar district.
Police in Jammu and Kashmir have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against several Army personnel, including the Commanding Officer, a Major and a Naib Subedar of the 17 Rashtriya Rifles, over allegations of assaulting police officials and causing damage to government property at Atholi Police Station in Kishtwar district. The case was registered on Wednesday under FIR No. 17/2026 and includes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with Section 3(1) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Incident Reported During Official Meeting
According to the complaint, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Atholi Police Station was attending an official meeting at the Block Development Office in Paddar. The event was chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar. During the programme, the SHO reportedly received information about an alleged disturbance and assault taking place inside the police station, prompting an immediate return to the premises.
Allegations Mentioned in the FIR
The FIR states that around 30 to 40 personnel from the 17 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Kijaiyee allegedly entered the police station by crossing the main gate and boundary wall. The complaint names Major Vikas Sharma and Naib Subedar Shankar Gurkhe as leading the group under the command of Commanding Officer Col. N. Arun Gandhi.
According to the police complaint, the personnel were carrying lathis, iron rods and service weapons. It alleges that officers and staff present at the station were attacked during the incident. The FIR further claims that both the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Atholi and the SHO were also assaulted after they reached the police station.
Police Personnel Report Injuries
The complaint says the confrontation resulted in injuries to several police officials. It alleges that the SHO’s uniform was torn during the incident. Special Police Officer (SPO) Suresh Kumar reportedly suffered injuries after being struck on the neck with the butt of a rifle. The FIR also mentions that other police personnel sustained injuries while performing their official duties.
Damage to Government Property
Apart from the alleged assault, the FIR accuses the Army personnel of damaging government property during the incident. According to the complaint, official vehicles belonging to the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), the SHO Atholi and the SDPO Atholi were vandalised. The main entrance gate of the police station was also reportedly damaged.
The FIR further alleges that the ARTO Kishtwar and his personal security officers, who were present at the police station during the incident, were also assaulted.
Officials Named in the Case
Police have named Col. N. Arun Gandhi, Major Vikas Sharma, Naib Subedar Shankar Gurkhe, GD Raj Kumar, Sepoy Rahul Kumar, Sepoy Anoop Singh and Sepoy Omkar Ingale in the FIR. In addition, the case includes 30 to 40 unidentified Army personnel who were allegedly involved in the incident.
Army Yet to Respond
As of now, the Army has not released any official statement regarding the allegations mentioned in the FIR. Further investigation is expected to determine the sequence of events and examine the claims made in the police complaint. Authorities have not announced any additional action at this stage.