Civilian ‘dies of gunshot wounds’ in J&K’s Bhaderwah; Internet suspended in Chenab Valley areas
Police personnel and others gather after a man was killed and three members of the Special Operations Groups (SOG) were injured in firing when he allegedly tried to snatch a service rifle in Bhaderwah, Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir on July 17, 2026. Photo credit:-
A civilian reportedly died of “gunshot injuries” at Bhaderwah in the Chenab Valley on Friday. At least two members of the Special Counter-Insurgency Squad of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (SOG) were also injured in the incident. Authorities have suspended internet services in the region as a precautionary measure.
“Three patients were admitted (to Doda hospital) around 3 am. One 35-year-old patient was brought dead. He had a gunshot wound. The post-mortem was conducted by a medical board of doctors. Samples were sent to the forensic laboratory in Jammu,” said Tanvir Ahmad, a doctor at Doda district hospital.
The doctor said the other two patients “have minor injuries on the face, head and back”. “They are stable,” he added.
Police have not released any statement on the circumstances of the civilian’s death. Initial reports indicate that the victim, Aarif Hussain, is a resident of Cheeka village.
The incident forced authorities to suspend internet services as a “precautionary measure” in Doda, Bhaderwah, Bhalesa and Thatri in the Chenab Valley. Extraordinary deployments were carried out in many sensitive areas. Several local residents began demanding a “fair and transparent investigation” to ascertain the circumstances of the shooting.
Preliminary information indicated that the incident occurred when a SOG team conducted an ambush along the Jaie-Gandoh road, 35 km from Bhaderwah town. At around 11:30 p.m., a police team spotted the youth in the area.
Wife seeks justice
The victim’s wife, who is pregnant, joined the protesters in Bhaderwah seeking justice. Hundreds of local residents gathered in Bhaderwah and protested against the “killing of innocent civilians”. “No law allows you (police) to shoot a civilian, leaving his wife a widow and children orphaned. If he was responsible for anything, he should have been arrested. These killings are carried out for medals,” the protester said.
Former chief minister and chairman of the People’s Democratic Party Mehbooba Mufti described the incident as “deeply disturbing”.
“The administration must act quickly to establish the facts and ensure accountability. Jammu and Kashmir must not slide into a situation where allegations of cow smuggling become a pretext for mob violence and killing of Muslims,” Ms Mufti said.
Member of Parliament for the ruling National Conference Aga Syed Ruhullah also expressed “deep anxiety and concern” over the incident. “At a time when conflicting accounts are circulating, it is imperative that the facts be established through a speedy, impartial and transparent investigation. Such an investigation should instill public confidence and ensure that accountability follows wherever warranted,” Mr Ruhullah said.
Published – 17 July 2026 16:00 IST