An honorary retired captain of army was killed and several others injured, two of them seriously, after a heated argument between members of two groups on Saturday evening turned violent over the counting of votes for panchayat election at Joura Panchayat of Block Kahara in District Doda.
“Some members of a group held a grudge against the other after facing defeat in the panchayat election. The argument over the issue escalated and people from both the sides attacked each other with stones,” said an eyewitness Jaffer Hussain, who was present at the spot.
After receiving information, ASP Bhadarwah Rajinder Singh, SDPO Gandoh Krishan Kumar and SHO Sajid Mughal rushed to the spot.
“Clashes erupted between two group members in Joura Panchayat of District Doda after a dispute over counting of votes during 3rd phase of panchayat election,” said ASP Bhadarwah Rajinder Singh.
“A team of police and army officials immediately reached the spot to ensure that the situation remains under control,” ASP added.
“We will register a case under relevant sections against persons involved in the stone pelting,” ASP Singh said, adding that miscreants will be dealt with iron hands.
The deceased has been identified as Muhammad Hafiz (60) resident of Joura Khurd, Tehsil Kahara in District Doda.
Two seriously injured have been identified as Hushiyar Singh and Dheeraj Kumar of Joura Khurd, Kahara. Besides, several others also received injuries during the clashes.