Handwara, June 1, KNT: Panic spread in the outskirts of Handwara town in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Saturday after the body of a shepherd was found hanging from a tree in a nearby forest area.
Police sources identified the deceased as Farooq Ahmed Shabangi, son of Ahmed Ali, a local of Shelthera Haril in north Kashmir’s Handwara. According to officials, Farooq had left home in the morning to graze his cattle in the adjoining forest, as was his routine.
When he failed to return at the usual time, family members began searching for him. During the search, they discovered his body hanging from a tree, triggering alarm in the locality.
Sub Divisional Police Officer Handwara Ifroz Ahmed told KNT that unidentified persons appear to have hanged the shepherd. He confirmed that a case has been registered and investigation initiated to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.
Police teams visited the site soon after the information was received and initiated legal formalities. Officials said all angles are being examined as part of the probe.
Pertinently, Farooq Ahmed’s father was killed by unidentified gunmen in 2002, adding a tragic backdrop to the incident.
Further investigation is in progress. [KNT]
