Full Breakdown
Fatal Shooting Among CISF Personnel at Kathua Hydropower Project
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Incident
On September 29, 2026, a Head Constable of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) opened fire on fellow CISF members at the Sewa hydroelectric project in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir. Four personnel were killed: Assistant Commandant Ankit Kumar Pandey, Sub-Inspector Lakshman Singh, and constables Rafiq Ahmed (also reported as Mohammed Rafiq) and Sandeep Kumar (also reported as Sanjeev Kumar). The shooting occurred during an evening shift change, between 6:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The accused was overpowered, arrested, and handed to local police.
Background & Context
The CISF guards several hydro-electric installations in the region, including the Sewa project operated by NHPC. The accused and his spouse, both Head Constables, shared the post on alternating shifts. Police statements say the couple repeatedly brought their toddler to the site despite warnings from unit administration. A complaint about the child’s presence was made to Assistant Commandant Pandey on the day of the incident, which allegedly triggered the confrontation.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 4 CISF personnel
- Accused: Head Constable (2009 batch) – named in sources as Avdesh/Abhidesh Kumar Singh
- Weapon: Service AK-47 rifle, reportedly with 150 rounds
- Location: Sewa-II or Sewa-III hydroelectric project, Mashka village, Basohli tehsil, near the Himachal Pradesh border
- Medical outcome: All four injured were taken to the NHPC hospital in Himachal Pradesh and later declared dead
Official Statements & Responses
CISF officials confirmed the accused has been handed over to Kathua police and that an internal inquiry is under way. A Court of Inquiry has been formed to determine the sequence of events. DG (CISF) Parveen Ranjan visited the site for a first-hand report. Kathua Superintendent of Police Mohita Sharma said a case has been registered under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Arms Act. A CISF spokesperson said the circumstances remain under investigation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Project designation: Sewa-II vs. Sewa-III.
- Accused’s name: Avdesh Kumar Singh, Abhidesh Kumar Singh, or Abhidesh Kumar.
- Victim names: Variations in constable surnames.
- Time of incident: 6:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
These discrepancies underscore the need for the pending inquiries to establish a definitive factual record.
Why It Matters
The incident is a rare case of fratricide within a central paramilitary force and raises concerns about discipline and morale among security personnel at critical infrastructure sites. It follows a similar violent episode on August 14, 2026, when Village Defence Guard member Surjeet Singh shot a colleague in Udhampur, highlighting intra-force violence in the Jammu division. The shootings have prompted security sweeps across border districts of Rajouri, Poonch and Kathua, involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF and BSF. Findings of the CISF inquiries will likely influence future protocols on personnel conduct, especially regarding family presence at sensitive installations.
