J&K Police seek public videos, photos in Farooq Abdullah attack case; SIT intensifies probe

Apart from intensively questioning the accused, Kamal Singh Jamwal, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have appealed to the general public to come forward with photographs and videos related to the firing incident in which an abortive attempt was made on the life of former Chief Minister and National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah.

In a public notice, the police sought information, video recordings and photographs from people who attended the marriage function where the assassination attempt on Abdullah took place.

According to the notice issued by the Range Headquarters Jammu–Samba–Kathua, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shiv Kumar Sharma appealed to all guests present at the function, members of the public, and anyone possessing digital evidence or information related to the incident to share it with the investigating agency.

“Contact numbers provided for the purpose include 9419150173, 9419131379 and 9419186210,” he said.

The DIG stated that the incident occurred on March 11 during a wedding at Royal Park, Greater Kailash, Jammu. Police Station Gangyal has registered an FIR in connection with the case, and a special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the matter. He emphasised that public cooperation would significantly assist the SIT in collecting crucial evidence and ensuring a transparent investigation.

The SIT was constituted on Sunday after Jammu Zone Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bhim Sen Tuti ordered its formation, considering the “seriousness and sensitivity” of the case.

According to official details, the SIT has been formed under the supervision of the DIG of the Jammu–Samba–Kathua (JSK) Range and includes officers of various ranks, including a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The team has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation and submitting its findings at the earliest.

The order further stated that on March 11, Abdullah was attending a marriage ceremony at a banquet hall in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu. At around 10:10 pm, while the protectee was leaving the venue, an individual allegedly brandished a revolver and attempted to open fire from close range.

However, the attempt was foiled due to the prompt action of the police personnel deployed with him. Following the incident, a case under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 3/25 of the Arms Act was registered at Gangyal Police Station.

Given the gravity of the case, the police constituted a seven-member SIT to ensure a thorough probe.

The SIT comprises SSP Sanjay Sharma, SP Headquarters Irshad Hussain Rather, DySP Arvind Kumar Sambyal, Inspector Saroop Singh, Inspector Paramjeet Singh, Inspector Sanjeev Chib—who is also the SHO of Gangyal Police Station—and Inspector Shariq Majeed.

Police said the team has been directed to carry out the investigation expeditiously while adhering to the prescribed statutory timeframe.

The assassination attempt took place on March 11 when Dr Farooq Abdullah was attending a wedding function in the Greater Kailash locality of Jammu. As he was leaving the venue, a man allegedly approached him and attempted to fire from close range using a pistol.

Security personnel reacted swiftly and overpowered the attacker before he could execute the act. Abdullah escaped unhurt due to the prompt response of his security staff and commandos present at the venue.

Police identified the accused as a 63-year-old resident of Jammu, who was immediately taken into custody. During preliminary questioning, he reportedly claimed to have harboured a personal grudge against Abdullah for several years.

Officials added that the weapon used in the attempted attack was reportedly a licensed firearm.