Army on Thursday said a truck driver was shot dead after a 23 kms chase following his jumping a checkpoint in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
In a post on X, Army’s Chinar Corps said based on a very specific intelligence input on Wednesday about the move of terrorists, a MVCP was established by Security Forces.
It said one speeding suspicious civil truck was spotted and when it was challenged, the truck didn't stop despite repeated warnings instead accelerated further while crossing the check post.
“Alert troops pursued the vehicle for over 23 km. Shots were fired aiming at tyres to deflate which forced vehicle to halt at Sangrama Chowk. Consequent to detailed search, the injured driver was immediately evacuated to GMC Baramulla by Security Forces where he was declared dead,” Army said.
“The fully loaded truck has been sent to the nearest police station. Detailed search of the truck in police custody is underway and investigation on antecedents of the suspect is in progress,” it said.
The slain was identified as Waseem Ahmed Mir, a resident of Bomai Sopore.
The firing incident took place at Chunad village along the Srinagar- Baramulla national highway.
Sources said that the driver was brought dead to the Government Medical College Baramulla at around 1.30 am.
The injury suggested a gunshot wound with the entry point on the right side of the axilla (armpit) and the bullet exiting near the left shoulder tip, they said.
A post mortem was also conducted at the medical college.
J&K Police said an FIR was registered in Police Station Baramulla.
Police urged the public to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumors or misinformation regarding this incident.
“A thorough investigation is underway, and all updates will be communicated through official channels. Any attempt to disrupt public order or spread false information will be dealt with strictly,” police said.
The killing has evoked strong condemnation from political parties including NC, PDP, Congress, CPI(M) Apni Party and Peoples Conference.