Srinagar, July 12: Two BSF personnel including an officer were among three persons arrested after police foiled an attempt to take away rifle of a Personal Security Officer of Gujjar and Bakerwal leader at Khanbabal Housing Colony in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Thursday.
Official sources told GNS that one person, Mansoor Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Sangam, entered the room of PSO Bashir Ahmad (SPO) while he was in washroom, and took the rifle by wrapping it in the blanket. As Bhat returned, he found the trunk busted. He soon rushed outside and found Manzoor, a frequent visitor to the house of the Bakerwal leader, in suspicious condition.
On seeing Bashir, Manzoor tried to run away and was overpowered by the Bhat and other police personnel there.
“Soon after the arrest, Manzoor told police that the rifle was meant for BSF personnel who were waiting for him in a vehicle outside the Housing Colony,” sources said, adding, “Acting swiftly, police arrested the BSF personnel.” Arrested BSF men include Inspector Patel and Zahoor Ahmad from Tanghdar Kupwara. Manzoor is learnt to have told police that BSF men had promised him job and Rs 1.5 lakh in lieu of the rifle.
Gujjar and Bakerwal Leader Chaudhary Hamid demanded a through inquiry into the incident and unraveling of the motive behind it.
“I was not present in the home when the incident took place. On returning back, I came to know about the incident. Manzoor is a thief and police should thoroughly investigate the motive as to why they wanted to snatch the rifle and why my PSO was targeted,” he said.
A police officer confirmed to GNS the arrest of three persons including the two BSF personnel and said that case FIR 115 under RPC section of 380 (Theft in dwelling house, etc).
Public Relation Officer of BSF feigned ignorance about the incident and said “he will seek the report with regard to the incident.”
“Since you have brought the incident into my notice, I will get back to you soon after confirming the details,” he told GNS. (GNS)
