Search operation intensified in Kishtwar after recovery of two SPOs’ bodies

KISHTWAR — Security forces have launched a massive search operation in the forest areas of Kishtwar following the recovery of the bodies of two missing Special Police Officers (SPOs), with additional reinforcements being rushed to the area and drones and sniffer dogs pressed into service.

The operation is underway in the forest belt of Deherna and adjoining areas of Marwah, where the bodies of SPO Rashpal and SPO Babbi Chand were found after they went missing while proceeding towards a temporary operating base of the Army’s 17 Rashtriya Rifles on Wednesday.

Officials said additional security personnel have been called in to intensify the search and establish the circumstances surrounding the killings. Drones are being used as part of the operation, while sniffer dogs have also been deployed to assist security teams in tracking possible movement through the difficult forest terrain.

The two SPOs, both deployed at Police Post Kiyar, had gone missing on Wednesday after proceeding towards Deherna Top to join their rotational duty at the Army’s temporary operating base.

Firing involving around 20 to 25 rounds was reported from the Bachnan forest area, falling within the Anderwan Forest Block of Deherna, at approximately 4:30 PM on the same day.

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Bodies of two missing SPOs recovered in Kishtwar forest

The personnel had been accompanied up to Kiyar Top by a Special Operations Group party from Police Post Kiyar. They subsequently proceeded towards the temporary operating base along with pony porters but failed to reach their destination.

A joint search operation involving Police Station Marwah, SOG Marwah and Army personnel of 17 Rashtriya Rifles was initially launched after their disappearance. Following the recovery of their bodies, the operation has been intensified, with security forces focusing on surrounding forest stretches to trace those responsible and locate the missing service weapons.

Both SPOs were carrying their service rifles and ammunition when they went missing. Their weapons have reportedly not been recovered so far.

The difficult terrain and dense forest cover in the area have added to the challenges facing the search teams. Security forces are continuing operations to establish the sequence of events and determine the circumstances leading to the deaths of the two personnel.