Srinagar: BJP leader and sarpanch Sajad Ahmad Khanday was shot dead by suspected militants near his home in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Thursday morning, police said.
The militants, who appeared to have studied the area closely, fired at him from close range at Vessu in Qazigund area, 60 km from here, police officials said.
Khanday was immediately rushed to a hospital in nearby Anantnag district where he was declared brought dead, they said.
The incident comes less than 48 hours after a BJP-affiliated Panchayat member, Arif Ahmad Khan, was shot at in Kulgam district. He is recovering from his injuries in hospital.
Giving details, police spokesman said that preliminary investigation revealed that militants fired upon BJP sarpanch Sajad Ahmad Khanday, son of Ali Mohammad resident of Vesoo Kulgam, due to which he got injured. He was shifted to nearby hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.
He said Khanday was accommodated in secured migrant camp Vesoo “but today he went to his house without informing the police.”
Police has registered a case in this regard under relevant sections of law. Investigation is in progress and officers continue to work to establish the full circumstances of this crime. Area has been cordoned off and search in the area is going on, spokesman said.
