Bashir Ahmed, 55, Special Police Officer from Kishtwar district, vanished from Pedil post on Thursday around 7 a.m. with his service rifle and a magazine, prompting immediate search.
His wife, who lives a ten‑minute walk from the post, went to his home after he failed to return, only to find the officer's body lying behind the residence.
Police dispatched squads in multiple directions and tried to track Ahmed via his mobile, but the device was offline, leaving the search reliant on ground intel.
Forensic Science Laboratory personnel arrived the next morning, gathering evidence and hoping to clarify whether the death was accidental, a suicide, or involved foul play.
The incident has rattled the local community, where neighbors recall Ahmed as a diligent officer who often helped stranded villagers.
Investigators will release findings after a forensic report is compiled; meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir police are reviewing protocol for officers carrying service firearms.