Protests erupt in J&K's Doda after man killed in police firing; family seeks CBI probe

Srinagar: Protests erupted in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir over the killing of 30-year-old Arif Hussain who was shot in controversial police firing in Jai Valley of Bhaderwah town.

Family of Arif, survived by a pregnant wife and three year old son, have demanded an impartial probe if possible by the Central Bureau of Investigation to unravel the circumstances of the incident in which Arif was killed. They have also demanded making FIR and names of accused public and order an immediate compensation and job for his wife. The administration suspended internet service in major parts of Doda district as precautionary measure to scuttle any possibility of spreading of protests.

The police officials have claimed that Arif was part of a suspicious group intercepted at a police checkpoint around 11:30 pm on July 16, on Jai-Gandoh road, where they allegedly engaged in a "physical brawl" with the police during which weapons were fired. Jai Valley, is a popular tourist destination in Bhaderwah sub division of Doda.


The police sources claim that his group members managed to flee while he and three Special Operation Group personnel of the police recieved firearm injuries while another policeman received head injuries in the incident. All of them were shifted to Bhaderwah hospital and later to Government Medical College in Doda, where he was declared dead. The police immediately informed the family. Some police officials alleged that they were involved in bovine smuggling.