J&K: Civilian shot dead in mistaken identity case

A civilian was shot dead by the Army in a case of "mistaken identity" during an ambush in the forests of Bandipora district, a defence spokesman said in Srinagar on Thursday.

Troops of 14 Rashtriya Rifles had laid an ambush in Kudar forests of Bandipora, on Wednesday night when they noticed some suspicious movement at around 0230 hrs, the spokesman said.

"The man was challenged by the troops but he started running away, forcing the soldiers to open fire which resulted in injuries

to the man," the spokesman said. He said after ascertaining that the injured person was not armed, the troops gave him first aid and tried to evacuate him to a hospital but he succumbed to injuries.

Police sources said the deceased has been identified as 32-year-old Manzoor Ahmad Pathwal, who was returning from his dhokh (hut) located in the forests. Police have registered a case and started investigations, the sources said, adding the body of the deceased has been handed over to his family after legal formalities.