In a startling turn of events in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, local police have registered a First Information Report () against a Commanding Officer, a Major, and nearly 40 other army personnel. The tension reportedly flared after an Assistant Regional Transport Officer () impounded an army vehicle and moved it to the local police station. Infuriated by the seizure, soldiers allegedly stormed the law enforcement facility, resulting in a violent confrontation that left multiple high-ranking police officials and civil servants injured.
According to the filed , the aggressive breach took place at the Atholi Police Station and involved personnel belonging to the 17 Rashtriya Rifles (). The named high-profile accused include Commanding Officer Colonel N. Arun Gandhi, Major Vikas Sharma, and Naib Subedar Shankar Gurkhe, alongside a contingent of 30 to 40 jawans. Armed with lathis, iron rods, and service weapons, the soldiers reportedly scaled the perimeter walls and smashed open the main gates. The subsequent assault inside the premises resulted in severe physical attacks on Atholi DSP Vijay Kumar Bhagat, Station House Officer () Amrit Katoch—whose uniform was torn during the melee—the ARTO, and his personal security officers (), alongside extensive vandalism of official government vehicles.
The Indian Army has formally acknowledged the gravity of the Kishtwar incident and confirmed its intent to fully cooperate with law enforcement. A defense spokesperson stated that the matter is currently being reviewed through institutional mechanisms and joint investigative channels to ensure appropriate actions are taken based on the findings. Facing serious statutory charges including attempt to murder and the malicious destruction of public property, the military command has reiterated its stance on upholding the law while noting that further public commentary remains premature while the formal joint inquiry is actively underway.
