Srinagar- A policeman on Wednesday was arrested after he “accidentally” shot dead a youth in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, evoking sharp condemnation from political parties besides calling for an impartial probe.
25-year-old Asif Ahmad Padroo sustained critical injuries when the service rifle of a policeman went off accidentally in Haal area of the district on Wednesday morning, a police spokesperson said. A resident of Poterwaal village, Padroo was removed to the hospital for treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries.
“In this regard, a case has been registered and the involved police personnel has been arrested. Further investigation in the case is going on,” the spokesperson said.
According to reports, charges under section 304 IPC have been pressed against the policeman.
Meanwhile, several political parties have condemned the incident and demanded the Union Territory administration to conduct a “credible probe”.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed grief over the death of Padroo.
“As if the harsh measures put in place causing grave inconvenience to the people in Kashmir weren’t enough, Asif from Pulwama paid with his life in the name of ensuring security for HM’s visit. My heart goes out to his family,” Mufti tweeted.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the killing was highly condemnable.
“The killing of an unarmed civilian in an ‘accidental fire’ incident in Pulwama district is highly condemnable. There must be a swift, credible & transparent probe into this death. Those responsible must be punished to the fullest extent possible,” Abdullah tweeted.
CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami demanded a credible probe into the killing.
“Deeply pained by the unfortunate incident in which an innocent young man lost his life in Hall village of Pulwama. There must be a credible probe into the incident. Sharing the pain and grief of the bereaved family,” Tarigami tweeted.
Peoples Conference also condemned the killing and demanded a transparent and time bound probe into the incident.
“The killing of an unarmed civilian in Pulwama is highly unfortunate and condemnable. We express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family”, PC spokesperson said in a statement.
He urged the government to investigate the circumstances resulting in this unfortunate incident and ensure justice to the bereaved family.
“The government must thoroughly probe this incident and ensure responsible officers are held accountable. It is incumbent upon the government to ensure timely justice to the bereaved family”, the spokesperson added.
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