Man Goes Missing with AK-47 Rifle in
Doda, Jun 18 (WD): A man has gone missing along with an AK-47 rifle belonging to a Special Police Officer (SPO) in the Trown area of Doda district on Tuesday evening, prompting a widespread manhunt by the authorities.
Sources divulging details to the Wattan daily (WD) identified the missing individual as Muhammad Rafi, a resident of Trown near Pranoo. Rafi was last seen traveling from Bhella towards his village in the company of SPO Safdar Hussain, who was carrying the rifle.
The incident occurred when the two reached Pul Doda. SPO Safdar Hussain deboarded the vehicle to purchase some essentials, leaving Rafi alone in the car with the weapon. Seizing the opportunity, Rafi fled the scene with the rifle in his possession.
Subsequently, the vehicle was discovered abandoned near the Jagota area of Bhalla. However, neither Rafi nor the weapon were found inside, raising concerns about the potential misuse of the firearm and Rafi’s whereabouts.
Confirming the incident, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda, Javed Iqbal, informed KNO that a manhunt has been launched to locate Rafi and recover the rifle. He emphasized that efforts are ongoing and that Rafi is likely hiding somewhere within his village.
Authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to trace Rafi. Extensive searches and inquiries are being conducted in and around Trown village, aiming to secure the weapon and ensure public safety.
Meanwhile, the local community in Trown has been urged to assist in locating Rafi. The villagers have also appealed to him to return to his family, assuring that any issues he might have will be addressed sympathetically.
The situation remains tense as the search continues, with police and local residents hoping for a swift resolution to the incident and the safe return of the rifle.
