New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped a gun attack after a man opened fire during a wedding function in Jammu, triggering panic among guests and prompting an immediate security response.
According to Jammu and Kashmir Police say, “An incident of firing was reported at a function where JKNC chief Farooq Abdullah and Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary were present. One person has been arrested. More details awaited.”
The incident took place near the Royal Park area in the Greater Kailash locality where the ex-Chief Minister has arrived to attend a marriage celebration. The Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary was also present at the event when the incident took place.
Police said a sudden gunshot was heard shortly after 10:30 am as Abdullah and others were leaving the venue. The firing caused momentary chaos at the gathering but security personnel quickly moved in and brought the situation under control. Both Abdullah and Choudhary had come to greet party leader B S Chouhan on the marriage of his son, the officials said.
Deputy CM suffers minor injuries
Officials confirmed that Abdullah was not injured in the incident while Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary sustained a minor splinter during the firing and was instantly treated by medical staff at the spot.
The accused was overpowered by security personnel and later taken into custody. Police later identified the accused as Kamal Singh Jamwal. As quoted by PTI, authorities are now questioning him to determine the motive behind the attack.
Police officials are currently investigating the matter and examining the footage from nearby CCTV cameras. Officials say that the cause of the incident will only be clear once the investigation is completed.
Questions raised over security
Speaking after the incident, Surinder Choudhary criticised the security arrangements at the venue. He alleged there had been a “total lapse” by the local police and said there was no proper security cordon in place despite the presence of senior leaders.
Choudhary added that the suspect was first restrained by his own security team before being handed over to the police.
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