Bashir Ahmed, 55, a Special Police Officer from Trihgam in Kishtwar district, vanished after leaving his post at 7 a.m. with his service rifle; authorities are conducting a large‑scale search.
His wife, Aisha Ahmed, reported that she could not reach him and rushed to the station, panicking over his absence. The incident follows a history of police deserters in the region, where officers have abandoned posts with weapons.
Search teams are combing roads, forest belts, and surrounding areas, scanning for Ahmed and the rifle. Heavy rain this morning has prompted officials to consider a possible slip or accident on the way home, while also probing the likelihood of kidnapping by militants or defection to terrorist groups.
Ahmed was an experienced officer in the Chenab Valley, known for his calm demeanor; his family stresses he had no ties to extremist groups.
Police are investigating all angles and will convene a briefing tomorrow to outline findings. The next step is a detailed forensic analysis of the trail and interrogation of locals.