Firing in Sainik Colony house on Aug 21: Inquest proceedings converted into FIR
VIVEK SHARMA
JAMMU: A mysterious accident case reported in August has now taken a dramatic turn, with Channi Himmat Police converting the inquest proceedings into a formal FIR after it surfaced that firearms were used in the incident which ultimately claimed life of one Mumbai based girl in Jammu’s Sainik Colony area.
Reliable sources confirmed to STATE TIMES that the probe into suspicious Sainik Colony firing case has been transferred on late Friday night to Special Branch wing of Crime Branch, J&K for detailed independent probe. Sensing the importance of the case, the special investigation team immediately took over the record files tonight itself.
Today, the Channi Himmat police converted an inquest proceeding into a formal FIR (152/25) after investigations revealed that the case of an alleged Road Traffic Accident (RTA) was, in fact, a targeted firing incident.
As per reports, three girls- Mehjabeen Akil Sheikh (30) of Mumbai, her sister Fatima Akil (21), and Jaspreet Kour (28) of Ludhiana, currently residing in Sainik Colony – were admitted to JK Medicity Hospital on August 21 2025 with serious injuries. They were later shifted to ASCCOMS Sidhra and then to GMC Jammu. Mehjabeen, however, succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
Initially, the case was recorded as an RTA, and an inquest proceeding was initiated under DD No. 29 dated 30 August 2025 at Police Station Channi Himmat.
However, during the course of investigation, it came to light that the women had concealed the true incident. On the night of August 21, an unknown assailant allegedly entered their rented accommodation at House No. 157, Sector A, Sainik Colony, and opened fire on them before fleeing the spot. Sources informed that a Nowshera based person was running a physiotherapy centre there.
Taking cognizance of these revelations, the police registered the case under FIR 152/2025 under Sections 103(1), 109, 332(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – against unknown accused.
The case has now taken a serious turn, with Crime Branch intensifying efforts to trace the assailant and ascertain the motive behind the firing. The CB investigation has been started.
Meanwhile, according to Jammu police’s statement issued to media on Friday evening states that on August 21, 2025, Police Station Channi Himmat received information from JK Medicity Hospital regarding three injured persons admitted there. An Investigating Officer was deputed, but the injured were declared unfit for statement by doctors. Later, the victims left against medical advice and shifted to ASCCOMS Hospital, Sidhra and subsequently to GMC Jammu the next morning, without informing Channi Himmat Police. Tragically, one of the victims succumbed to injuries on August 29,
“Following the death, the deceased’s mother approached the District Magistrate’s office seeking exemption from postmortem. However, SHO Channi Himmat found her replies suspicious and contradictory, and refused exemption. Police teams verified the facts and found that the case was registered as a road traffic accident (RTA) at Ring Road near Zamindara, with information also sent to PS Bari Brahmana. Discrepancies regarding the timeline of admission further raised suspicion,” states a press release issued by J&K Police.
Acting promptly, police initiated inquest proceedings under Section 194 BNSS, 2023. On 31 August, a board of doctors conducted postmortem of the deceased in the presence of the Executive Magistrate and Crime Team, with full videography and photography. The clothes of the deceased were seized as evidence before handing over the body to the family. the police statement reads as.
The J&K Police further states that during the enquiry, CCTV footage, call records and other digital evidence were analyzed. The investigation revealed that the injuries were not accidental but caused by firearms, leading to the victim’s death after several days. Consequently, the inquest was converted into FIR No. 152/2025 under Sections 103(1)/109/332(b) BNS and 3/25 Arms Act at PS Channi Himmat.
A forensic team, crime photographer/videographer, magistrate, and senior police officers have already visited the crime scene to collect vital evidence. Police said that investigation is underway and will be taken to its logical conclusion.
“Jammu Police remains committed to professional policing and fair investigation, ensuring justice and living up to the expectations of citizens,” an official spokesperson said.
Earlier in the day, there were unconfirmed reports of the suspension of SHO Channi Himmat SHO, Insp Deepak Pathania; IC/PP Sainik Colony PSI Wasim Bhatti and Investigative Officer PSI Rohit Sharma. Senior police officers, however, remained tight-lipped over this report.