NC President Farooq Abdullah Escapes Gunshot in Jammu, Accused Arrested
Man with licensed pistol attempts to shoot NC chief at close range during marriage ceremony security personnel foil attack and arrest suspect
Jammu, Mar 11: Farooq Abdullah escaped unharmed after a man allegedly fired a shot at him during a wedding function in Jammu late Wednesday night, officials said. The suspected attacker has been arrested and the weapon used in the incident seized by police.
The incident occurred when Abdullah was attending a marriage ceremony at Royal Park in Greater Kailash area of Jammu. He was accompanied by Surinder Choudhary and Nasir Aslam Wani when the accused reportedly approached from behind and fired from close range.
According to police, the security team deployed with the National Conference leader reacted immediately and overpowered the gunman before he could cause any harm. The suspect was taken into custody on the spot and later identified as 63-year-old Kamal Singh Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu.
Officials said the pistol used in the attempt was recovered from the accused and further investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
CCTV footage from the venue reportedly shows the attacker moving towards Abdullah and firing from a short distance. Security personnel quickly intervened and restrained the man. Preliminary information suggested the accused was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Reacting to the incident, Omar Abdullah thanked the Almighty for his father’s safety, saying the situation could have been far more serious.
“The details are still emerging, but a person with a loaded pistol managed to come within point-blank range and fire a shot. Thankfully, the close protection team acted swiftly and prevented any tragedy,” he said in a statement.
Abdullah had attended the wedding reception of a party colleague’s daughter and had spent over an hour interacting with guests before leaving the venue when the firing occurred.
Senior police officials confirmed that there was no indication of a terror link so far. Ajay Sharma said the accused used a licensed firearm and that investigators are examining all aspects of the case.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary termed the incident a serious security lapse and called for a thorough probe into how an armed person managed to reach so close to senior leaders at the event.
An eyewitness present at the venue said the gunman opened fire just as Abdullah was leaving the function, creating panic among guests before security officials quickly brought the situation under control.
During questioning, the accused allegedly claimed he had been waiting for years to target the National Conference leader, investigators said, adding that the motive behind the act is being examined.
Police said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses.
