Kathua shootout: Slain cop cremated with full state honor

Jammu, Apr 3: Emotional scenes were witnessed as people bid adieu to young police officer, Deepak Sharma, who lost his life in an encounter with gangsters inside a hospital premises in nearby Kathua district late Tuesday night.
A wanted criminal, Vasudev, who headed ‘Shannu gang’ was also killed in the gunfight.
The mortal remains of Probationary Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma was brought in a decorated vehicle from Samba to his hometown Udhampur, where thousands of mourners gathered to bid him a tearful adieu on Wednesday.
As per details, an encounter broke out between a group of gangsters and police in around 10.35 last night inside the Government Hospital in Kathua.
PSI Deepak Sharma (32), suffered head injuries during the encounter, died during treatment on Wednesday morning, they said, adding that a special police officer (SPO) Anil Kumar was also injured.
“Injured PSI shifted from GMC Kathua to Amandeep Hospital, Pathankot for treatment. On 03-04-2024, said PSI Deepak Sharma succumbed to his injuries during treatment and dead body shifted to GMC Kathua,” police said in a statement.
Emotional scenes were witnessed at the house of Sharma at Sangoor, Udhampur, where a large number of people and family friends joined the mourners and burst into tears.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Reasi-Udhampur Range Rayees Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Sonali Rai, SSP Joginder Singh among senior police and civil officials accompanied the mourners at Devika Ghat where a salute was presented to the cop before cremation.
Earlier, the mortal remains of the soldier were brought to District Police Lines Samba where Director General of Police J&K R. R. Swain led officers, Jawans and relatives of the martyr in offering heartfelt tributes to the slain Cop. ADGPs Vijay Kumar, Anand Jain, DIG JSK Range Dr. Sunil Gupta, & other jurisdictional officers laid floral wreaths.
The wreath laying ceremony was held which was attended by parents and wife of the slain officer. Emotional scenes were witnessed as police bid adieu to the officer.
Officials said that PSI Deepak Sharma from Samba district’s Ramgarh Police Station was sent to Kathua district, on reliable information regarding a group of four gangsters. While chasing them, the gangsters opened fire at cops. A bullet hit PSI Deepak Sharma. In the retaliation, a gangster was killed while the fate of the other three is still unknown.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tributes to the PSI Deepak Sharma, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Lt Governor tweeted: “I salute the valour & indomitable courage of PSI Deepak Sharma, who made supreme sacrifice while valiantly fighting & neutralising a most wanted gangster in Kathua. His supreme sacrifice will remain etched in our hearts. Deepest condolences to the family of martyr Deepak Sharma. The nation stands in solidarity with the martyr’s family &@JmuKmrPolice, whose dedication, resilience & courage in battling a variety of challenges & adversaries continue to inspire us. Every drop of blood of our martyr will be avenged and we are committed to create a fear-free J&K.” (KNO)