Man Killed, Three J&K Police Personnel Injured in Firing Incident in Doda

July 17, 2026

Jammu: One person was killed and three personnel of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police were injured in a firing incident in Doda district after the man allegedly attempted to snatch a service rifle during an operation, officials said on Friday.

A religious preacher has also been detained in connection with the incident, though police said his exact role is yet to be established.

SOG Team Intercepts Suspect During Ambush Operation

According to officials, an SOG team had laid an ambush along the Jaie-Gandoh road, around 35 km from Bhaderwah town, late on Thursday night after receiving reports of suspicious movement in the high-altitude area.

At around 11:30 p.m., the team intercepted a youth who allegedly attacked police personnel and attempted to snatch a service rifle.

During the ensuing scuffle, an SOG personnel opened fire, injuring the youth. Three police personnel also sustained injuries during the confrontation.

Youth Dies, Army Launches Search Operation

The injured youth, identified as Aarif Hussain (30), a resident of Cheeka village, along with the injured police personnel, was initially taken to the Sub-District Hospital in Bhaderwah before being referred to the Government Medical College, Doda, for specialised treatment.

Officials said Aarif Hussain later succumbed to his injuries.

Police have detained a religious preacher in connection with the case, while clarifying that investigations are underway to determine his link to the incident.

As a precautionary measure, additional personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police have been deployed in Bhaderwah town.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has launched a search operation in the Jaie area.

Doda Has Witnessed Revival of Militancy

Doda was among the first regions outside the Kashmir Valley to witness militancy in the early 1990s due to its rugged and forested terrain, which was used by Pakistan-backed militant groups for infiltration.

The region witnessed several major terror incidents over the years, including the 1996 Barshala massacre, the 2001 Kishtwar massacres, and the 2006 Doda massacre, in which 57 Hindu civilians were killed.

Following sustained counter-insurgency operations by the Indian Army, Rashtriya Rifles and paramilitary forces, militancy in Doda was largely brought under control by the late 2000s.

However, the wider Jammu region has witnessed a resurgence in militant activity in recent years. Doda also witnessed renewed terrorist attacks and high-altitude encounters, including a major ambush in July 2024 in which four Army personnel lost their lives.