Budgam, Feb 19, KNT: An elderly man was shot dead by a security guard after he allegedly entered the restricted zone of the Air Force Station in Budgam district of Central Kashmir late Sunday night, officials said.
According to a police statement, the incident occurred around midnight when an unidentified individual entered the security zone of the airfield. The man reportedly crossed the security fence and approached close to the station’s perimeter wall. Despite repeated warnings from the sentry on duty, the individual did not stop, officials said.
The sentry first fired warning shots in the air. However, when the man continued to advance, the guard opened fire towards him, resulting in his death on the spot.
Station authorities subsequently informed Police Post Humhama, following which the Station House Officer and duty officer rushed to the scene. During spot inspection, police found that the deceased appeared to be around 50 to 55 years of age. Officials stated that the man seemed mentally challenged. He was reportedly barefoot, inadequately clothed for winter conditions, and was not carrying any identity documents.
Police noted that there is no habitation in the immediate vicinity of the incident site. The body was taken into custody for medico-legal formalities and identification. Assistance of nearby villages was sought to ascertain the identity of the deceased.
Later, the deceased was identified as Syed Habibullah, a inhabitant of Soibugh in Budgam. Following the incident, shops and business establishments in Soibugh remained shut in protest, and transport services were suspended in the area.
A case has been registered and investigation has been initiated, police said. [KNT]
