Three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured after unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire at a security checkpoint in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday afternoon. CCTV footage of the attack has surfaced, capturing the sound of over 18 gunshots and the commotion as security personnel came under fire.
The incident took place at around 2:15 pm at a CRPF naka in Akhran near Mir Bazar. The attackers opened fire on personnel deployed at the checkpoint before fleeing the spot, officials said.
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The injured personnel were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag for treatment. According to an official, two of the injured personnel sustained minor injuries, while the third was slightly serious.
Kulgam Attack CCTV Footage Captures Gunfire, Shouting
The CCTV footage captures the sound of over 18 rounds being fired during the attack. Gunshots can be heard in quick succession, followed by people shouting as the firing continues.
The recording captures the moments of panic following the sudden attack, while CRPF personnel can be seen in the vicinity of the checkpoint. The attackers, however, are not clearly visible in the footage.
The visuals are being examined by investigators as they work to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible for the firing.
Three CRPF Personnel Injured, Two Stable
The injured personnel have been identified as Constables Rakesh Dass and Santosh Chandru, and Head Constable Somveer Singh.
According to officials, Santosh Chandru, a resident of West Bengal, sustained injuries to his abdomen and spine and was reported to be slightly serious. Rakesh Dass, who hails from Assam, suffered a bullet injury to his leg, while Somveer Singh, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, sustained a bullet injury to his arm. Both were stated to be stable.
The three personnel were taken to GMC Anantnag, where they received medical treatment.
Search Operation Launched After Kulgam Attack
In the wake of the shooting, security personnel sealed off the location and began a search operation to find the attackers. Additional barricades were erected, and security personnel in armoured vehicles were deployed near the site as reinforcements arrived.
Officers are reviewing CCTV footage, even from shops around the area, to piece together where the attackers came from and how they got away. Forensic teams are also investigating evidence taken from the scene.
Nobody has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. An inquiry has been launched to determine who the attackers were and their potential links.