In a significant development that highlights the growing challenge of drug trafficking in Jammu, an armed encounter unfolded on Thursday evening in Mandal village (Sure-Chak), under the jurisdiction of the Satwari Police Station. The confrontation between drug smugglers and the Jammu Police resulted in the death of one alleged smuggler and triggered a large-scale manhunt for two others who managed to flee the scene.

How the Mandal Encounter Unfolded

According to online media reports, the district intelligence unit received a tip-off about the presence of drug smugglers in the Mandal area with a significant consignment of narcotics. Acting swiftly, a team of plainclothes police officers arrived in an unmarked white Swift car around 6 p.m. to intercept the suspects.

Initial Resistance: Stone Pelting Turns Violent

As the police approached the suspects for identification and questioning, the situation escalated. The three individuals responded aggressively by pelting stones at the police vehicle, causing chaos and momentarily forcing the officers to pull back. However, the team maintained surveillance in the area, awaiting another opportunity to apprehend the suspects.

Gunfire and Police Retaliation: A High-Speed Chase Turns Fatal

Believing that the police had retreated, the three suspects attempted to escape the area on a black motorcycle. Upon spotting them, the police resumed pursuit. During the chase, one of the smugglers brandished a pistol and opened fire on the police vehicle.

Police Vehicle Crashes Amid Firing

The attack led to the police car losing control and veering into a nearby field. Despite the crash, the officers quickly regained composure and prepared to confront the armed smugglers. One suspect pointed his weapon at the officers again, prompting the police to open retaliatory fire using their service rifles.

In the exchange of bullets, one of the smugglers, later identified as Mohammad Parvez alias Bachhi, a resident of Javed Nagar, Jammu, sustained two bullet injuries. His accomplices fled the scene, abandoning the motorcycle.

Death Confirmed at GMC Jammu

The injured individual was immediately rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital in Jammu, where he was declared brought dead by doctors. Following the incident, senior police officials reached the location, and the entire area was sealed off to prevent further escalation.

Search Operation Underway

Multiple police teams have since launched raids across nearby areas in a bid to trace and apprehend the absconding smugglers. Authorities believe they may be part of a larger drug network operating in and around the Jammu region.

Family Protests Spark Tensions at GMC Hospital

The situation took another dramatic turn later that night when the family of the deceased protested outside the GMC mortuary. Claiming Parvez was not involved in any smuggling activity, the family alleged that he was falsely targeted and demanded an impartial investigation.

Increased Security and Crowd Control Measures

In response to the protest, the local administration deployed security forces outside the hospital’s mortuary. Barbed wire barricades were set up to manage the crowd and prevent any untoward incident. The post-mortem of the deceased was scheduled for the same night, with the body expected to be handed over to the family on Friday.

Inside the Intelligence Input: How the Police Tracked the Suspects

This operation was based on concrete intelligence input from the district police wing, which had received information about suspicious individuals carrying drugs in the Mandal region. The goal was to intercept them quietly without public disturbance—but the aggressive and armed resistance from the suspects led to an unfortunate escalation.

Drug Smuggling in Jammu: A Rising Concern

The encounter brings attention to the rising drug menace in Jammu, especially in areas like Satwari, Narwal, and RS Pura, which have seen an uptick in narcotics trafficking. Authorities are on high alert, with frequent joint operations between intelligence, police, and anti-narcotic teams.

What We Know So Far: A Quick Recap

The police have registered a case and initiated a detailed probe into the incident. As per protocol, a magisterial inquiry is expected to be conducted to examine the sequence of events and ensure transparency.

Post-Mortem & Autopsy Reports Awaited

The post-mortem results will provide further clarity on the nature of injuries and the timeline of death, which could play a key role in the investigation and any potential judicial proceedings.

While the encounter marks a major step against drug smugglers, the controversy surrounding Mohammad Parvez’s death has sparked public debate and media scrutiny. It underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and strict oversight in anti-smuggling operations.

The Jammu police’s quick action, based on intelligence, showcases their commitment to curbing drug trade. However, allegations from the family and public sentiment highlight the importance of clear communication, impartial investigation, and lawful procedures in all such encounters.