Jammu: Dozens of Army personnel, including a Colonel and a Major, have been booked following an alleged altercation and attack inside a police station in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, officials said.

The incident reportedly took place at Atholi Police Station on Wednesday. According to an FIR lodged by Station House Officer (SHO) Amrit Katoch, he was informed while away on official duty that a group of 30 to 40 Army personnel from the 17 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), allegedly acting under the instructions of their Commanding Officer and led by a Major, entered the police station premises.

FIR Alleges Forced Entry and Assault on Police Personnel

As per the FIR, the Army personnel allegedly entered the police station by scaling the main gate and boundary walls. Police have alleged that the group was armed with lathis, iron rods, and weapons, and that their actions posed a serious threat to the police personnel present at the station.

The FIR further states that when SHO Katoch returned to the station, he was allegedly assaulted and his uniform was torn during the confrontation. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Atholi, Vijay Kumar Bhagat, was also reportedly attacked.

Police have alleged that several personnel on duty sustained injuries during the incident. One Special Police Officer (SPO), Suresh Kumar, reportedly suffered serious injuries after being struck on the neck with a rifle butt, according to the complaint.

Dispute Allegedly Triggered by Traffic Violation Action

According to local sources, the confrontation may have stemmed from an earlier dispute involving a private vehicle carrying an Army officer. The vehicle was reportedly challaned by the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) in Kishtwar for an alleged traffic violation and subsequently taken to the police station, leading to tensions between the two sides.

The FIR also alleges that the Army personnel assaulted the ARTO and his security staff, who were present at the police station during the incident.

Damage to Property and Multiple Charges Registered

Police have further alleged that government property was damaged during the incident. Official vehicles belonging to the ARTO, SHO and SDPO were reportedly vandalised, while the main gate of the police station was also damaged.

A case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal trespass, voluntarily causing grievous hurt, and damage to public property.

The accused named in the FIR include the Commanding Officer of 17 RR, a Major, a Naib Subedar, and 30 to 40 other Army personnel posted at the 17 RR camp in the area.

Army Assures Full Cooperation in Investigation

Confirming the registration of the FIR, Defence spokesperson Suneel Bartwal said the matter is being examined through established institutional mechanisms.

“The matter pertains to an FIR registered by the local police in Atholi, Kishtwar. The matter is under examination through the appropriate institutional mechanisms. The Indian Army will extend full cooperation in the legal process. Appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the joint investigation. At this stage, it would be premature to comment further while the investigations are in progress,” he said.

Investigations into the incident are currently underway.