Srinagar, Apr03: A police Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma, injured in a fierce gun battle with gangsters at GMC Kathua, breathed his last in the early hours of Wednesday at Amandeep Hospital in Pathankot.
Sharma, who sustained severe head injuries during the shootout, as per police, was was injured in a firefight with gangsters in GMC Kathua, and succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.
The firing incident took place at about 10:35 pm, on Tuesday night, in which a gangster was killed and two cops, including Sharma were wounded. The other injured policeman was identified as Anil Kumar, who is working as a Special Police Officer.
The deceased gangster was identified as Vasudev alias Shunnu of Ramgarh. He had over half a dozen criminal cases registered against him at Ramgarh police station and had also been detained under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA) in the past, the police said.
On Tuesday evening, a group called the Shunoo Group, led by someone named Vasudev, was chased by the police. They drove into the medical college campus where the police trapped them.
During the confrontation, one gang member was shot dead, and a police officer named Sub-inspector Sharma was critically injured by a bullet to his head. He was initially treated in Kathua but later moved to Pathankot in Punjab. Unfortunately, he passed away this morning, according to officials.
As per Police records, Shunnu was associated with another gang led by Jatinder Singh, also known as Shallu, from GurahSlathia village in Samba district. Shallu was also on the run because the police were looking for him in connection with the recent killing of another gangster, Mohan Cheer, during a shootout in Punjab’s Mohali.
A police officer told Rising Kashmir SI Sharma, who was investigating the Kumar murder case, received information that some members of the Shallu gang were meeting near GMC Kathua.
“The police team waited as the gang members arrived. When the gangsters spotted the plain-clothed policemen, they allegedly opened fire. During the shootout, the gangsters sought refuge in the premises of GMC Kathua behind an abandoned Emergency block,” he said.
Although SI Sharma managed to shoot Shunnu dead, he and a Special Police Officer (SPO) were injured during the gunfire exchange. Sharma was rushed to a hospital in Punjab, but unfortunately, he could not survive his injuries, the police officer added.
“We are investigating the case and further angles are being probed,” he said..
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Every drop of martyr’s blood will be avenged: LG
Jammu, April 03: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha paid tributes to the PSI Deepak Sharma, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Lt Governor tweeted: “I salute the valour & indomitable courage of PSI Deepak Sharma, who made supreme sacrifice while valiantly fighting & neutralising a most wanted gangster in Kathua. His supreme sacrifice will remain etched in our hearts. Deepest condolences to the family of martyr Deepak Sharma.
The nation stands in solidarity with martyr’s family &@JmuKmrPolice, whose dedication, resilience & courage in battling variety of challenges & adversaries continue to inspire us. Every drop of blood of our martyr will be avenged and we are committed to create a fear-free J&K”.