Kashmiri Pandit's Killing: Security Forces Gun Down Three Terrorists

“First, they asked who Rahul Bhat is and then they shot him. We want an inquiry,” he said.

The family members of Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat, who was shot and killed by the terrorists. (Getty Images)

New Delhi: The security forces have gunned down the three terrorists involved in the killing of Kashmiri Pandit Rahul Bhat in Budgam district. Two terrorists have been shot dead earlier this afternoon, sources told ABP News, while one terrorist was killed earlier. This comes as the police launched a search operation in the valley post this incident, which is the latest in a series of attacks where Kashmiri Pandits have been targeted in Jammu and Kashmir since October last year. Earlier in the day, Bhatt’s father said that the terrorists killed his son after inquiring about him and demanded a thorough investigation.

“First, they asked who Rahul Bhatt is and then they shot him. We want an inquiry,” he said.

“There was a PS 100 feet away. There must have been security at office but nobody was there. They should check CCTV footage,” added Bhat’s father.

Bhat’s wife said that he used to say “everyone behaves nicely with him” and “nobody can harm him”.

“Yet nobody protected him, they (terrorists) must have asked someone about him, otherwise how would they have known,” she added, ANI reported.

The terrorists fired upon Bhat, a clerk in the Tehsildar’s office in the Chadoora area in Budgam district, earlier on Thursday.

The terrorists barged in and opened fire on him at point-blank range while he was working in his office.

He was admitted to a hospital, but lost his life during treatment.

“The injured was immediately brought to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary investigation reveals that 02 terrorists are involved in this heinous crime & have used pistol for committing this crime. @JmuKmrPolice,” Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has condemned Bhat’s killing.

“Rahul in his office yesterday, Riyaz Ahmad Thoker, a SPO with J&K police, in his own home today. Targeted killings continue unabated. I can’t condemn this killing strongly enough. May Allah grant Riyaz place in Jannat,” he tweeted.