Anantnag: An Assistant Sub-Inspector was shot dead by militants in Anantnag town on Monday afternoon.The slain police officer has been identified as 55-year-old Abdul Rashid Shah.The Anantnag SSP, Altaf Khan, confirming the killing, said: “Yes, one of our officers has been shot dead this afternoon by militants. An investigation has been initiated. We will be able to pinpoint the attackers only after facts are ascertained.”The shooting took place about 12:30 pm in the busy Mahendi Kadal area of Anantnag, said sources.“The ASI was posted at the Sadder police station, which is less than 200 metres from the place of the shooting. He was busy regulating traffic at the Mahendi Kadal junction when he was shot at,” a senior police officer said. He said the militants shot at his chest before disappearing into the crowded market. The gunshot, said local sources, created panic in the area as people ran to take cover. Things however returned to normal after the injured officer was rushed to the nearby Anantnag district hospital.“The ASI had a bullet wound on the right side of his chest. He was given first aid and referred to Srinagar in a critical condition,” said Chief Medical Officer, Anantnag, Fazil Kochak. Shah was taken to the Sher-e Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar, where he was declared brought dead. Following the shooting, a huge contingent of security forces reached the area and conducted searches to nab the militants. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Police Lines in Srinagar today.Shah is survived by wife, three sons and two daughters.
Cop gunned down by militants in Anantnag
