Attack on Farooq Abdullah: Accused acted alone; police probing his antecedents

JAMMU: Kamal Singh Jamwal, the man who allegedly made a murderous attempt on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, has acted alone, officials said on Thursday, ruling out possibility of making more arrests in the case.

The officials said police have initiated a detailed probe into the antecedents of the accused to unravel the mystery behind the Wednesday night’s firing at a marriage function that sparked widespread condemnation across the country.

The police have also registered a case under relevant sections of law including attempt to murder and firing a weapon against Jamwal, who allegedly attempted to assassinate the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister at a marriage venue in Greater Kailash area near here, the officials said.

The police are examining the 63-year-old Jamwal’s background, including his personal, social and possible organisational links, to ascertain the motive behind the firing incident, they said.

Abdullah had a narrow escape when the accused allegedly fired from point blank range at him from behind as he was leaving the marriage function on Wednesday night.

Security personnel immediately swung into action and thwarted the assassination attempt. A licensed pistol used in the crime was recovered from Jamwal’s possession.

J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, were also accompanying the NC chief when the incident occurred.

Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, told police that he had been waiting for an opportunity to target Abdullah for the last 20 years without citing any reason for the grudge, the officials said.

They said the accused was under the influence of liquor at the time of incident.

The investigations so far found that the accused acted alone while he was in an intoxicated condition, an official said, requesting not to be identified.

According to the officials, the police are examining all angles including his recent activities and movements before the attack.

Senior police officers are currently questioning Jamwal, who told investigators that he earns his livelihood from rent generated by his shops.

The officials said security arrangements at the venue are being reviewed to determine how the accused managed to enter the function with a weapon.

Jamwal, who is married and has three children including two daughters, was reportedly accompanying ‘Barat’ (wedding procession) to the venue, being a close relative of the groom’s family.

Abdullah was among the participants who turned up to bless the newly-wed couple on the invitation of a party colleague whose daughter was getting married.

According to the officials, Jamwal was initially associated with Jagran Manch, a socio-political group, and later joined National Panthers Party. He had also unsuccessfully contested municipal elections from his ward.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal has condemned the attack on Abdullah, saying “such acts of violence are unacceptable and have no place in a democratic and civilised society”.

“Since the accused has been arrested, the authorities must ensure a thorough and transparent investigation so that the complete facts behind the attack come to light and strict action is taken in accordance with the law,” Sirwal said. (PTI)