Senior J&K official killed, two staff critical in Pakistani shelling in Rajouri

A devastating incident unfolded in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir early Saturday morning when a senior government official was killed and two of his staff members were left critically injured due to shelling from across the border. The attack has sent shockwaves through the region and has been strongly condemned.   

The victim was identified as Raj Kumar Thapa, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri. Officials reported that an artillery shell fired by Pakistani forces struck his residence directly in Rajouri town. At the time of the incident, Thapa was present with two members of his staff.   

Immediately following the shelling, emergency services were mobilized. Thapa and his two injured staff members were rushed to the Government Medical College for urgent treatment. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Additional Deputy Commissioner Thapa succumbed to his grievous injuries. The condition of his two staff members remains critical, and they are currently under intensive care.   

The news of Thapa's untimely demise has been met with widespread sorrow and condemnation. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his profound grief and offered his condolences regarding the tragic loss of a dedicated officer. He highlighted the shock of the incident, noting Thapa's active engagement in his duties just a day prior.

In a heartfelt post on X, the Chief Minister lamented, "Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services. Just yesterday he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district & attended the online meeting I chaired." He further added, "Today the residence of the officer was hit by Pak shelling as they targeted Rajouri town killing our Additional District Development Commissioner Sh Raj Kumar Thappa. I’ve no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace."