Two Special Police Officers (SPOs) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who went missing along with their service weapons while on patrol in Kishtwar district on Wednesday, were found dead on Thursday, November 12, 2026, security officials confirmed.
The deceased personnel have been identified as Rashpal Kumar (45) and Babbi Chand (57), both residents of Kiyar Dachhan in Kishtwar.
Timeline of Disappearance & Search Operation
According to police and local accounts, the two officers went out of contact on Wednesday afternoon while traversing a remote forested stretch. Both SPOs were traveling from Kiyar toward Dherana to report for duty at a temporary operating base of the Indian Army’s 17 Rashtriya Rifles in Marwah, but never arrived at the post.
Local residents reported hearing gunshots in the dense, forested terrain between Kiyar and Dherana shortly before communication with the two policemen was lost.
Following an overnight joint cordon-and-search operation across the rugged terrain, security forces recovered their bodies on Thursday morning. Officials confirmed that their service rifles are missing from the scene.
Security Context in Kishtwar
While sustained counter-insurgency operations have significantly degraded active terror networks in the Chenab Valley region, officials noted that Kishtwar’s mountainous geography and dense forest cover continue to pose acute operational challenges for patrolling units.
