Jammu: Authorities in Jammu have launched an extensive investigation into the background of a man accused of firing at veteran political leader Farooq Abdullah during a wedding celebration, officials said on Thursday.
The suspect, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, 63, allegedly attempted to shoot the senior leader on Wednesday night when he was leaving a marriage function in the Greater Kailash area on the outskirts of Jammu. Police said the incident is being treated with utmost seriousness, and multiple aspects of the accused’s past are now under scrutiny.
Investigators are looking into Jamwal’s personal history, social connections and any potential links to organisations to determine what might have prompted the alleged attack. Officials noted that understanding the motive remains a key focus of the ongoing probe.
According to preliminary accounts, the former chief minister—who currently heads the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference—escaped unharmed after the suspect reportedly fired from behind as he was exiting the venue. Security personnel accompanying him reacted swiftly, preventing the situation from escalating further.
Police said the accused was immediately overpowered by security staff at the scene. A pistol, believed to be licensed and allegedly used during the incident, was recovered from his possession and seized for investigation.
At the time of the incident, Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and senior political adviser Nasir Aslam Wani were also present with Abdullah as he departed the function. Both were unharmed.
Police officials said Jamwal is currently being questioned, and further legal action will depend on the outcome of the investigation. Authorities are also reviewing security arrangements and gathering statements from witnesses who attended the event.
The incident has triggered concern among political circles in the region, with leaders calling for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances that led to the attempted attack. Officials indicated that more details will be made public once investigators establish the motive and complete the initial phase of the probe.
