“Grenade Incident” Leaves Army Personnel Injured at Rajouri Camp

A cloud of mystery continues to shroud a disturbing incident that unfolded on Thursday, October 5, at the Army’s 48 Rashtriya Rifles base in the Thanamandi area of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir. This incident has raised significant concerns, as it involved injuries to at least one officer and possibly more.

The Jammu-based White Knight Corps (16 Corps) took to 𝕏 to shed some light on the situation, stating that an officer had been injured in what they referred to as a “likely grenade accident.” The injured officer was promptly evacuated and is reported to be in stable condition after receiving initial medical attention. However, the details surrounding the incident remain uncertain, with the Corps noting that a further investigation is currently in progress.

On 05 Oct 23 one officer was injured in a likely grenade accident at a post in Rajouri sector. Officer evacuated and stable post initial treatment. Further investigation of the incident in progress@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA

— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) October 5, 2023

Lt. Col Suneel Bartwal, a defense spokesperson based in Jammu, refrained from confirming specific details about the incident, according to The Wire, stating, “I don’t have any update on the incident so far.” He did, however, assure that more information would be shared in due course.

Unverified reports circulating suggest that not one but at least two officers were injured in this incident. According to some accounts, the ordeal began when a major-ranked officer unexpectedly opened fire on fellow soldiers, leading to a state of chaos within the camp.

One report suggests that the regimental medical officer rushed to the scene as the firing began, only to be targeted by the major with grenades. There are also unconfirmed reports that this situation escalated into a possible hostage scenario. However, it is crucial to note that these details have not been officially confirmed by the Army.

Senior officials from the Army and other security agencies swiftly arrived at the Army camp shortly after the incident occurred around 6 pm on Thursday. The accused major has reportedly been apprehended and disarmed.

The Hindustan Times, citing anonymous sources with knowledge of the situation, reported that the major had both opened fire and lobbed grenades at fellow soldiers, resulting in injuries to several of them. The report suggested that the major was grappling with personal issues, though this remains unconfirmed.

In an earlier statement, the defense spokesperson vehemently denied reports of a “terrorist attack” on the Army camp in Rajouri. Instead, he emphasized that it was an “unfortunate internal incident.” He requested the media’s discretion in covering the event to avoid casting a negative image of the Indian Army and potentially demoralizing the troops.

This incident unfolds against the backdrop of an escalation in insurgency-related violence in the strategic Pir Panjal region over the past two years, encompassing Rajouri, Poonch, and parts of Reasi districts in Jammu division. The Army has borne the brunt of this violence, with nearly two dozen soldiers falling victim to militant ambushes since 2021, in addition to civilian casualties.

This year alone, two major attacks have targeted the Army in Rajouri and Poonch districts of the Pir Panjal region, resulting in the loss of ten soldiers’ lives and injuries to an officer.

This incident also transpired just days after an encounter with militants in Rajouri district, which has emerged as a new hotspot of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. While a major counterinsurgency operation had been underway, there has been no fresh exchange of fire since the initial shooting that left three soldiers wounded.

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