Kashmir Clash: FIR Filed Against Army Officers Over Alleged Assault At Kishtwar Police Station

An FIR has been registered against several Indian Army personnel, including officers of the 17 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), following an alleged assault on police officials and damage to public property at Atholi Police Station in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.

The case stems from an incident that allegedly unfolded on June 24 after a confrontation involving an Army vehicle and the district administration, with police accusing Army personnel of forcibly entering the police station and attacking officials on duty. The Army has confirmed that an FIR has been filed and said it will cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

Confrontation Allegedly Began After Road Dispute

According to the FIR, the sequence of events began when the convoy of the Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner was travelling along a narrow road. An Army vehicle approaching from the opposite direction was reportedly asked to move aside, leading to an altercation between the two sides.

Police alleged that the Army vehicle was subsequently taken to Atholi Police Station. Shortly afterwards, around 12:20 PM, a group of approximately 30 to 40 Army personnel from the 17 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Kajai allegedly reached the police station.

The FIR claims the group was led by Major Vikas Sharma, Naib Subedar Shankar Gorkhe and Commanding Officer Colonel N. Arun Gandhi. Police alleged that the personnel entered the premises by climbing over the main gate and boundary wall before launching what they described as a pre-planned attack.

Police Allege Assault on Officials and Damage to Property

The complaint states that the Army personnel were carrying sticks, iron rods, arms and ammunition when they entered the police station. According to the FIR, several police officers on duty, including SHO Atholi and SDPO Atholi Vijay Kumar Bhagat, were assaulted during the incident.

Police further alleged that Special Police Officer (SPO) Suresh Kumar sustained serious injuries after being struck on the neck with the butt of a rifle.

The FIR also claims that the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) of Kishtwar and his Personal Security Officers (PSOs), who were present at the police station, were assaulted during the incident.

Authorities have additionally alleged that government property was damaged, including the official vehicles of the ARTO, SHO and SDPO. The main gate of Atholi Police Station was also reportedly damaged.

FIR Names Officers, Lists Multiple Charges

Atholi Police registered FIR No. 17/2026 under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

The accused include Major Vikas Sharma, Naib Subedar Shankar Gorkhe, Commanding Officer Colonel N. Arun Gandhi, GD Raj Kumar, Sepoy Rahul Kumar, Sepoy Anoop Singh, Sepoy Omkar Angale, along with 30 to 40 unidentified Army personnel whose identities are expected to be established during the investigation.

The FIR invokes charges related to unlawful assembly, rioting, criminal trespass, voluntarily causing grievous hurt, assault on public servants while discharging official duties, attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, and mischief causing damage to government property, among other offences.

The investigation has been assigned to PSI Adarsh Kant.

Army Says It Will Cooperate With Investigation

Defence Spokesperson Lieutenant Sunil Bartwal confirmed that an FIR had been registered against Army personnel.

He stated, "The matter pertains to an FIR registered by the local police in Atholi, Kishtwar. The case is being examined through the appropriate institutional mechanism."

He further said that the Indian Army would fully cooperate with the legal process and that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the joint investigation.

"At this stage, it would be premature to comment further as the investigation is still underway," he added.