Srinagar, August 10
A retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was shot dead after Friday prayers in Srinagar today.

Abdul Hamid Bhat was attacked at around 2 pm on the outskirts of Srinagar at Tengpora locality.

No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Bhat, a resident of Moominabad, Batamaloo, had retired from service last year. During the 2008 Amarnath land-row agitation, he was posted in the Nowhatta area in the old city that was the hub of massive street protests.

“Bhat was shot outside the mosque after Friday prayers,” SM Sahai, Inspector General, Kashmir range, told The Tribune.“He died on the spot and we have started investigating the case.”

Police sources said that Bhat, who was also accompanied by his personal security officer (PSO), was shot by an unidentified gunman who was armed with an assault rifle.

“Four bullets hit Bhat. The PSO didn’t have any weapon and the assailants fled away on a bike,” said a police officer.

Police and paramilitary officers have rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.The killing took place despite stepping up of security across the valley ahead of Independence Day.

Aug 8: Militants hurl grenade at police station in north Kashmir injuring seven

Aug 2: Four grenades hurled in 24 hours in north Kashmir; one policeman hurt

July 18: Suspected militants fire rifle grenade at Civil Secretariat but it doesn’t explode

July 7: Armyman killed, another hurt as LeT attacks Army patrol on Srinagar-Jammu highway

July 3: Two policemen shot by LeT militants in two attacks in Pulwama and Kulgam

June 15: Militants shoot NC leader Abdul Rahman Ganai at point-blank range while he was going for Friday prayers in a Srinagar locality