Border Tensions Turn Tragic: BSF Fire Kills Civilian Near Samba IB.
A Case of Mistaken Identity Ends in Fatal Shooting.
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Tejveer Singh June 9 2024 ||
Samba: In a tragic case of mistaken identity, a 28-year-old man was fatally shot by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on Friday night near the Regal Post along the International Border (IB) in Samba district. The deceased, Vasudev, a resident of Akhnoor, was working with a private construction company engaged in border-related projects.
According to officials, the incident occurred when BSF personnel observed suspicious movement near the Regal Post, a high-alert area along the IB. The Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Surinder Chowdhary provided a detailed account to the media, emphasizing the gravity with which any suspicious activity is treated in such sensitive zones.
“Late on Friday night, our personnel noticed unusual movement near the Regal Post,” ASP Chowdhary recounted. “In accordance with protocol, the BSF personnel challenged the individual. It’s believed that out of panic or fear, Vasudev attempted to flee. This action, combined with the already tense situation, led the BSF personnel to open fire, resulting in him sustaining severe injuries.”
The injured Vasudev was rushed to the Samba district hospital around 11 pm. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, his condition was critical upon arrival. “He had a gunshot wound to the chest and was given immediate first-aid and resuscitation,” hospital authorities reported. “Unfortunately, his vital organs had ceased functioning by the time he arrived, and he was declared brought dead.”
The police have launched a thorough investigation into the incident to understand the exact circumstances that led to the shooting. As part of the immediate response, the family of the deceased has been offered ex-gratia relief. A senior official from the civil administration in Samba stated, “The family will receive Rs 4 lakh from the private company, Rs 1 lakh from the civil administration, and a Special Police Officer (SPO) position has been offered to the next of kin by the police.”
Additionally, the Labour Commission has been informed and will determine the full extent of compensation due to the family.
The community and Vasudev’s family are in mourning, grappling with the sudden loss. The private company, along with civil administration officials, expressed their condolences and commitment to supporting the family through this difficult time.
“This incident is deeply regrettable,” the senior official added. “We understand the pain and distress it has caused, and we are committed to ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly investigated to prevent recurrence.”
As the investigation continues, ASP Chowdhary assured that findings will be transparently shared with the public. “This is a serious matter, and we are dedicated to uncovering the truth and administering justice appropriately,” he concluded.
In a region fraught with tensions, this incident underscores the delicate balance between security measures and civilian safety. The tragic death of Vasudev serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost inherent in areas of conflict and the critical need for stringent protocols to safeguard innocent lives
