Retired SSP killed while reciting Adhan in Baramulla masjid

Baramulla, Dec 24: A retired Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Muhammad Shafi Mir was fatally attacked by unidentified assailants while reciting Adhan (calling the faithful for prayers) at a Masjid in his native Gantmulla village in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Sunday.

The incident left locals in grief and authorities scrambling to unravel the circumstances surrounding the retired officer’s killing.

Muhammad Shafi Mir, who had served as SSP until his retirement in 2012, was attacked while he was reciting Adhan for Fajr (morning) prayers at the local Masjid.

He was immediately rushed to Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla where he was declared dead on arrival.

Following the incident, security forces swiftly cordoned off the area to trace the perpetrators.

According to J&K Police, Mir was shot while reciting Adhan and succumbed to his injuries.

The locals and relatives of the deceased reported that the attack occurred midway through the Adhan for Fajr prayers, leaving them in shock.

“During the Adhan, we heard some shots and suddenly the call for prayers stopped. We rushed towards the Masjid and found Mir lying on the floor,” said a relative of the retired Police officer.

Thousands of people from nearby villages gathered to pay their respects as Mir was laid to rest amid an atmosphere of sorrow.

The shocking nature of the incident raised concerns in the area, which has remained relatively peaceful for the past three decades.

This recent act of violence follows a spate of terrorist-related incidents in Kashmir over the past few weeks.

Mystery surrounds Mir’s killing as initial reports from the autopsy indicate that the retired SSP did not sustain bullet injuries but was instead struck by pellets.

The autopsy revealed three pellets on the left side of Mir’s chest, with one pellet tearing one side of his heart.

Authorities are now exploring various angles in the investigation, acknowledging the possibility of personal rivalry while not ruling out a terrorist connection.

The unexpected turn of events has left the residents here in shock.