Srinagar, Mar 9: A panchayat representative was shot dead Wednesday by militants in the Khonmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar, reports said.
Quoting a police official, news agency KDC reported that the Sarpanch identified as Sameer Ahmad Bhat was fired upon by militants and died on the spot.
However, some reports said that Bhat was critically wounded in the attack following which he was shifted to SMHS hospital in Srinagar where he was operated upon.
“He had 1-2 bullets in his chest and was immediately operated upon. However, he succumbed to the wounds,” Medical Superintendent SMHS hospital was quoted as having said by news agency GNS.
The slain, as per reports, was affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, security forces have cordoned off the area to nab the attackers.
Police statement:
”Today at about 1850hrs, Srinagar Police received information about a terror crime incident at Khonmoh area of Srinagar where a Sarpanch was shot dead by terrorists. Senior police officers reached at the terror crime spot.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that terrorists had barged into the house of a Sarpanch identified as Sameer Ahmad Bhat son of Ab Rasheed Bhat resident of Khonmoh area of Srinagar and fired indiscriminately upon him. In this terror incident, he had sustained critical gunshot injuries and was immediately shifted to nearby hospital for the treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.
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 circumstances which lead to this terror crime. Area has been cordoned off and search in the area is going on.”