Srinagar: A Special Operations Group (SOG) cop was caught by the locals of Kreeri village in South Kashmir’s Islamabad district for allegedly vandalizing private property.
Reports and eyewitnesses told Press Bureau of India that SOG constable; Azad Ahmad Bhat of Kolgud, Acchabal was held by a group of youth when he along with two other associates was allegedly smashing window panes of the residential houses in Kreeri village last night. Two of Azad’s associates, however, managed to flee under the cover of darkness.
After capturing the SOG man, the locals informed the Dooru police station about the incident. A police party led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Harmeet Singh and Station House Officer (SHO) Mohammad Yusuf reached the spot and secured the release of the cop.
“Angry youth refused to hand over the SOG man to the police. The officers threatened to use force. Fearing trouble, the senior citizens intervened and ensured the release of the stone-peter cop,” Abdur Rashid, an eyewitness said.
Rashid said, the window panes of dozens of residential houses were damaged by the SOG men in the last two weeks. The frequent incidents of stone pelting, he said, prompted the locals to constitute a committee of youth for night vigil.
“The village was reeling under fear since past fifteen days. Some unknown men were hurling stones on residential houses and smashing window screens of the car. Last night the youth solved the mystery,” he added.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Islamabad, Bashir Ahmad Khan said that he was not aware of any such incident in the district. However, he assured action, if the locals approach him with a written complaint.
“I have no information about any such incident,” he added. (PBI)
