Investigation intensifies in Samba BSF personnel attack; half a dozen identified; narco-terror angle probed

Harpreet Singh

SAMBA, MAR 31: The investigation into the violent ambush of Border Security Force (BSF) G-Branch personnel in the Rakh Barotian area has reached a critical stage.
While formal arrests are yet to be recorded, senior officials confirmed Tuesday evening that approximately six key suspects have been identified and are expected to be taken into custody shortly.
Security agencies have been working around the clock following the midnight attack near AIIMS Vijaypur. The latest updates from the ground indicate a multi-pronged investigation:
Local police and specialized security wings have detained several individuals for questioning. Investigators have reportedly narrowed down the primary instigators who allegedly incited the mob to attack the BSF team during their anti-narcotics raid.
Intense search operations continue in the Supwal and Rakh Barotian belts. Police are conducting door-to-door verification in local settlements to identify those involved in the stone-pelting and physical assault.
Authorities are strongly probing whether the “civilian” protest was a pre-planned diversion. It is suspected that local conduits orchestrated the scuffle to shield a high-value consignment of narcotics or weapons, reportedly dropped via drone, allowing it to be moved while the BSF team was pinned down.
The condition of the two BSF officers remains a primary concern for the administration. Sub-Inspector Darminder Singh continues to be monitored in the ICU at AIIMS Vijaypur. Medical staff describe his condition as critical but stable following severe injuries sustained during the scuffle. Meanwhile, Inspector Imtiaz Ahmed remains under close medical supervision and is responding to treatment for injuries incurred during the ambush.
Samba Police has registered a formal FIR and is currently analyzing mobile tower data and surveillance footage from the vicinity of the AIIMS site and inputs from informants regarding drone activity in the Samba sector over the last 48 hours.
“The focus is on identifying the primary instigators. Around half a dozen persons have already been identified, and their role is under a scanner. They will be behind bars soon,” stated an official involved in the probe on the condition of the anonymity.
The BSF G-Branch was reportedly acting on specific intelligence regarding a drone-dropped delivery when they were intercepted by the mob. As the investigation widens, security in the border district of Samba remains on high alert.