Jammu: A man opened fire near a wedding venue in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu on Wednesday evening during a function attended by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.
The incident occurred near Royal Park where a wedding ceremony was underway and several political leaders and guests had gathered. Security personnel immediately overpowered the attacker and took him into custody, preventing any further harm.
Officials identified the accused as Kamal Singh Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi area of Jammu.
According to preliminary reports, he had allegedly been waiting near the venue and opened a single fire which didn’t hit anyone.
Sources said that Farooq Abdullah was present at the venue at the time of the incident but remained safe.
Police and security personnel deployed at the venue quickly reacted to the gunfire and overpowered the accused before he could flee. He was subsequently taken into custody for questioning.
A police officer said that an investigation has been launched to ascertain the motive behind the firing and whether the act was premeditated. “The accused has been detained and further investigation is underway,” the officer said adding that prima facie it seems the attacker was intoxicated.
Security in the area was tightened immediately after the incident while police teams reached the spot and secured the venue.
Officials are also reviewing CCTV footage from the locality and recording statements of witnesses who were present at the wedding function. [KNT]
