The mortal remains of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, killed in a suspected terrorist ambush in Kishtwar district, were brought to their native village in a dumper truck without coffins. The manner of transport triggered intense grief and anger among families and villagers, who described it as a dishonour to personnel who had laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The Killing
SPO Babi Chand (57 years, Belt No. 920) and SPO Rashpal Kumar (45 years, Belt No. 65), both residents of Kiyar village in the remote Dachhan area of Kishtwar district, were posted with the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the local police at Kiyar.
On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the two officers left their camp to proceed towards a Temporary Operational Base (TOB) of the Army’s 17 Rashtriya Rifles in the Dharna-Marwah / Basnan area for duty rotation / to relieve colleagues. Gunfire was reported in the forested region around the same time. Their mobile phones were initially reachable but later went switched off.
Their bullet-riddled bodies were recovered on Thursday, November 12, morning (around 8–9 am) from the Dachhan forest / Dherna Top area, approximately two kilometres from the point where they went missing. One officer had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and the other to the back; both had been shot multiple times. Their service weapons — an INSAS rifle and a .303 rifle, along with magazines and ammunition — were missing and are believed to have been taken by the attackers. Empty cartridges of Pakistani-origin armour-piercing steel-core ammunition were recovered from the scene.
The incident occurred in difficult mountainous terrain at an altitude of around 8,858 feet. A massive search and cordon operation involving police, Army and CRPF was launched. Six persons were subsequently detained in connection with the case.
Transport of the Bodies and Public Outrage
On Friday, November 14, the bodies were brought to Kiyar village in a dumper truck without coffins. Local residents alleged that no senior police officer accompanied the remains initially. Villagers further stated that no stretcher was provided by the authorities; they had to obtain one from the Army. They also arranged white cloth themselves to cover the bodies. Some accounts noted that the remains had been wrapped in hospital-type material or placed on wooden planks.
The sight of the two officers, who had died performing their duty, being transported in this manner turned an atmosphere of mourning into anger. Villagers described the treatment as an insult to the bravehearts.
Political and Official Reactions
Kishtwar BJP MLA Shagun Parihar strongly condemned the handling of the bodies, stating that the SPOs had been dishonoured and insulted. A video circulating on social media showed her confronting senior police officers and becoming emotional. She noted that senior officers arrived only after the matter was taken up with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, also condemned the alleged negligence. He spoke directly to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, conveyed the anger and hurt of the families and locals, and assured villagers that the concerns had been raised and that appropriate action would be pursued. He additionally questioned operational aspects, including the decision to send the SPOs across difficult terrain.
Following the outrage, the last rites were performed with full honour, including a wreath-laying ceremony. Sunil Sharma, Shagun Parihar and others attended and paid tributes. Slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” were raised. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute to the officers, stating that they had laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Security forces have intensified operations to identify and neutralise those responsible. The incident has once again highlighted both the persistent security challenges in the remote upper reaches of Kishtwar and concerns over the dignity accorded to security personnel who make the supreme sacrifice.
