Viral Video Triggers Action: Sub-Inspector, Seven SPOs Suspended in J&K’s Kathua After Attack on Religious Preachers

•  Eight Cops Suspended After Kathua Attack Video Sparks Outrage

 Jammu, Oct 24: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district have suspended eight police personnel, including a sub-inspector and seven Special Police Officers (SPOs), after a video showing an attack on a group of religious preachers went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage. The video, recorded in the Juthana area under Rajbagh police station, shows a mob of youths armed with sticks attacking a vehicle carrying preachers, while some police personnel appear to stand by without taking immediate action.

According to officials, the attack took place late Thursday evening when the preachers were traveling through the area. The video, which spread rapidly online, drew public condemnation and prompted swift action from the district police authorities. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua, Mohita Sharma, immediately ordered the suspension of the involved officers for negligence and failure to prevent the assault.

“The preachers were attacked by a group of youths wielding sticks while traveling in a vehicle. The police personnel at the scene failed to act promptly to control the situation, as seen in the circulating video,” an official said. He added that the police had identified the main accused as Ravindra Singh, alias Thela, who, along with his associates, has multiple criminal cases registered against him.

An FIR has been lodged in the matter, and one accused has been arrested so far, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining culprits. “The police have taken strong cognizance of the incident. Those responsible, both for the attack and for negligence in duty, will face strict action,” a police spokesperson stated.

Sources said the suspended officers are under departmental inquiry, and additional reinforcements have been deployed in the area to prevent any escalation of tension. The incident has sparked public debate on accountability within the police force, with many residents demanding that such lapses be addressed through systemic reforms and improved community policing.

Local leaders and community representatives have called for calm, urging the administration to ensure a fair investigation and uphold interfaith harmony. Religious organizations have also condemned the attack, terming it an assault on the spirit of peace and coexistence that Jammu and Kashmir stands for.

The authorities have assured that the investigation will be conducted transparently and that those involved, both perpetrators and negligent officials will be brought to justice. The swift suspension of the officers, officials said, reflects a zero-tolerance policy toward dereliction of duty.