Missing J&K SPO Found Dead Near Home, Service Rifle Recovered

A 55-year-old Special Police Officer (SPO), who had reportedly gone missing from a police post in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district along with his service weapon, was found dead near his residence on Friday. Police have recovered the missing service rifle and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The deceased has been identified as Bashir Ahmed, a resident of Wanipora Trigam in Kishtwar district. Ahmed was 55 years old.

According to a senior police officer, Ahmed had been posted at Pedil Police Post since 2025. He had recently gone missing from his place of duty along with his service Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) and a magazine.

After the SPO’s disappearance was reported, police and security forces launched a search operation. The operation was aimed at tracing Ahmed and recovering the weapon that was missing along with him.

The search took a significant turn on Friday morning when Ahmed’s body was found near his residence in Wanipora Trigam. Officials also confirmed the recovery of his missing service rifle.

Police personnel reached the location soon after the body and weapon were recovered. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team also examined the scene. The team collected evidence to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the death.

The senior police officer said that the exact cause of death had not yet been established. Further investigation is underway.

Police are examining the circumstances in which the SPO went missing from his place of posting and the events that led to his subsequent death near his residence.

Officials said the investigation would focus on establishing the sequence of events connected with the incident. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the service weapon and its recovery are also part of the probe.

Kishtwar Police have taken cognizance of the matter and initiated a detailed investigation. Officials are continuing to examine the available evidence and the circumstances surrounding the death.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.