Deserted CRPF constable commits suicide in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 16 (UNI) A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) constable, who deserted his unit taking one sophisticated INSAS rifle and magazines in south Kashmir, committed suicide today in north Kashmir.

A CRPF spokesman said Constable Mohammad Iqbal Rather, a resident of Pakipora, Pattan, in north Kashmir district of Baramulla, was found missing from his camp of 183 batallion posted at Kakapora, Pulwama.

Later it was confirmed that he had deserted the camp taking with him a rifle and five magazines and 100 rounds of ammunition.

He said Iqbal had joined CRPF in 2006 and after completing training he was posted in 183 batallion in June last year.

According to Iqbal's father he was insisting that he should be married before his one elder brother and sister.

He said Iqbal was asked to wait for some time till his elder sister and brother got married.

The spokesman said Iqbal had shot himself with his service weapon near Palhalan, Pattan, in Baramulla district today.

On May 13 evening the bodies of two CRPF jawans --Rafique Ahmad and Asif Ali-- were recovered from the forest area in Shopian in south Kashmir.

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