J&K ‘encounter cop’ held in attack plot

A J&K Police Sub-Inspector,Shiv Krishan Sharma,described as an encounter specialist for having killed many militants,was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly plotting the grenade attack on a police station at Thathri,in Doda,in April. His PSO,Mohammad Ayub,has also been arrested.

Sharma,who joined the force as a special police officer,got two out-of-turn promotions to become ASI in 1999 and SI in 2005. He is the recipient of many awards,including the Presidents Police Medal for Gallantry (2011). He is reported to be on the militants hit-list and has survived several attempts on his life.

Doda SP Mohammad Arif Rishu said their names came up during the interrogation of five militants arrested for the Thathri attack. According to sources,the militants said Sharma had provided the weapons and explosives. Sources said Sharma has been charged with plotting to revive militancy in Doda-Kishtwar,as killing militants earned him medals and cash rewards.