Police officer shot at by militant in Srinagar, in critical condition

Police sources said Wani was shot at point blank range at the Eidgah ground in downtown Srinagar.

Wani’s teammates ran after the militant but he fired in the air and fled through adjoining lanes, officials said.

Additional Director General of Police (Kashmir range) Vijay Kumar immediately rushed to the scene and took stock of the situation.

“We have identified the terrorist. His name is Basit Dar and he hails from Kulgam. He has been active for quite some time and working at the behest of his masters across the border,” Kumar said, adding that a Turkish revolver was used in carrying out the attack.

He said multiple teams have fanned out and raids are being conducted to nab the militant. “I am sure we will be catching him soon,” he said.

Wani was posted at District Police Lines (DPL) in Srinagar.

“Terrorists fired upon and injured Inspector Masroor Ahmad near Eidgah Srinagar. He was immediately shifted to hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigation reveals that a pistol was used in this terror crime. Area cordoned off, case registered,” Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Believed to be in his thirties, Wani was rushed to Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) for treatment where doctors immediately operated on him. Hospital sources said inspector Ahmad was hit in his lungs and head and his condition continued to be critical. Police sources said the inspector had got married a few months ago.

The Resistance Front, a shadow outfit of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A resident of Yachipora in Srinagar, inspector Ahmad lives in the vicinity of the Eidgah ground. The ground is frequented by hundreds of players on Sundays. Scores of cricket matches simultaneously take place at the ground, a convergence point for sports lovers of Srinagar.

The attack on inspector Ahmad is the first attack on a security force personnel in Srinagar this year.

(With PTI inputs)