Jammu: A 30-year-old man was killed, and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel were injured in a late-night firing incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. The incident happened late on July 17 when an SOG team of Jammu and Kashmir police stopped the suspect during an ambush along the Jaie-Gandoh Road. The incident took place following reports of suspicious movement in the high-altitude area. The deceased has been identified as Aarif Hussain, a resident of Cheeka village in Bhaderwah, by the police.According to police officials, the man allegedly tried to snatch a service rifle from SOG personnel. However, his family has rejected the official version and demanded an independent investigation.Around 11.30 pm, the SOG team of Jammu and Kashmir Police intercepted Hussain, who they claim allegedly attacked them and attempted to snatch a service rifle of one of the cops, leading to a scuffle.The police official said one SOG personnel suffered serious head injuries while two others were also hurt during the scuffle, adding that during the struggle, SOG personnel opened fire, leaving Hussain critically injured.All four were first taken to the Sub-District Hospital in Bhaderwah and later referred to the Government Medical College, Doda, for medical attention. Hussain succumbed to his injuries.Police said there was “no terror angle” to the incident. A senior officer said preliminary investigations suggest Hussain was allegedly involved in bovine smuggling, although no evidence has been made public to substantiate the claim made by the officer.Authorities have also detained a religious preacher for questioning, but officials said his connection to the incident has not been established yet.Police personnel and others gather after a man was killed and three Special Operations Group (SOG) personnel were injured in firing when he allegedly tried to snatch a service rifle, in Bhaderwah, Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, Friday, July 17, 2026. The man’s family has disputed this account. Photo: PTI.Family disputes police accountHussain’s family has challenged the police narrative, saying he was an auto driver who had left home for a picnic.“My nephew had gone on a picnic. Around 3 am, the police came to our house and told us that he had been in an accident. Later we found out he had been shot. We want justice,” a relative, identified as Amjad, told the news agency ANI.Hussain is survived by his wife, who is eight months pregnant.The family has not publicly responded to the police’s allegation regarding bovine smuggling.Following the shooting incident, security has been tightened in Bhaderwah town, with additional Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police deployment to maintain law and order in the area. Internet services have been suspended in the area. Meanwhile, the Army has launched a search operation in the nearby Jaie forests.As news of Hussain’s death spread through Bhaderwah and adjoining areas on July 17, residents took to the streets in protest. The Anjuman-e-Islamia at Bhaderwah called for a bandh.Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti questioned the official version of the killing and the restrictions imposed in the aftermath of the incident.“Reports emerging from Doda about the killing of a civilian, Arif Hussain, who was allegedly stabbed and then shot dead by security forces, followed by an internet shutdown across the district, are deeply disturbing. The administration must act swiftly to establish the facts and ensure accountability. J&K must not be allowed to slide towards a situation where allegations of cow smuggling become a pretext for mob violence and the killing of Muslims,” Mufti posted on X.Echoes of GanderbalThe incident comes barely months after the killing of Rashid Ahmad Mughal in Ganderbal district. Initially, the army had described Mughal’s death as an encounter while the family alleged he had been falsely branded a militant. That killing faced widespread criticism across Kashmir and drew responses from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, all of whom called for an impartial investigation.Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha subsequently ordered a magisterial inquiry, directing the Ganderbal district administration to submit its findings within seven days. While Mughal’s body was eventually exhumed and handed over to the family weeks later, the inquiry report has not yet been made public.