SDPO, driver critically injured by militant in Poonch

Jammu, May 23 (UNI) A Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), decorated with the President's Police Medal for his gallantry services against militancy, and his driver were critically injured when an unidentified ultra fired upon them at Mendhar in the bordering Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

SDPO Mendhar Jugal Manhas, Dy SP, was on his way to the office, at around 0945 hrs when a militant -- in white 'kurta-pyjama' and blanket -- jumped in front of the vehicle and fired a bullet from an AK-47 on the police officer, the police spokesman told UNI.

Two bullets pierced through the arm the Dy SP and went into his abdomen, injuring the officer critically, he said, adding that the driver of the officer Zahoor Ahmed was also seriously injured.

''As there were a number of civilians on the road, the bodyguards could not retaliate the fire. They immediately rescued the injured officer and driver to nearby hospital from where they were airlifted to the GMC Jammu,'' the spokesman said.

The militant, who had been waiting near the SDPO's office, fled the spot raising provocative slogans.

Security forces, including troops of 47 Rashtriya Rifles, launched a combing and search operation in the town to nab the ultra but no breakthrough was made till the reports last came in.

Dy SP Manhas had led many successful anti-militancy operations in the state, which is being seen as the reason behind the bid on his life, the spokesman added.

The senior police officers, including Director General of Police Gopal Sharma, also visited the Mendhar town after the incident.

UNI