Srinagar, Dec 17 (KNS): Army on Sunday said that a driver was killed in cross-fire in Thandipora village of frontier district of Kupwara late last night, even as police lodged an FIR and started the investigations.
Asif Iqbal Bhat, son of Muhammad Iqbal was seriously injured after being hit by a bullet in Thandipora in Kralpora area of the district. "He was shifted to Sub District Hospital Kralpora for treatment where from he was referred to Srinagar Hospital for further treatment where he succumbed to his injuries," said a police spokesman.
"Kupwara police has lodged an FIR in Police Station Kralpora and investigation has been started. Police and civil administration will provide all help to the bereaved family," he said. "After completion of medico-legal formalities, the body of the deceased has been handed over to his legal heirs for last rites.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"
However, a Srinagar-based defence spokesman said the driver was killed in cross-fire.
He said that army had laid an ambush in the village late last night after information about the presence of militants in Thindpura village.
"At around 2255 hours, ambush party observed suspicious movement of three persons near nallah in Thindpura village. The individuals were challenged by troops, however, they did not respond," said the spokesman.
Thereafter, he said, militants opened fire towards army ambush party, which was retaliated to. "In the crossfire, one person, later identified as Asif Iqbal Bhat, s/o Mohd Iqbal Bhat, resident of Thindpura was killed due to Gunshot wound. It is learnt that he was a sumo taxi driver," he said.
The spokesman said that investigations are in progress. (KNS)