BHADERWAH: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed profound grief over a heartbreaking road accident near Basti village in Bhaderwah that claimed the lives of Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Zulfikar Ali and his wife, leaving their children injured.
The incident occurred earlier in the day on the treacherous Bhaderwah-Bani road, a stretch notorious for its sharp bends and slippery conditions exacerbated by recent weather. Eyewitnesses reported that the couple’s vehicle skidded off the road and plunged into a gorge, resulting in the instantaneous deaths of Head Constable Ali, a dedicated 15-year veteran of the force known for his service in counter-insurgency operations, and his spouse. Their two young children, who were also in the vehicle, sustained critical injuries and have been rushed to the Government Medical College in Doda for emergency treatment.
In a poignant social media post, CM Abdullah conveyed his deepest condolences: “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident near Basti in Bhaderwah that claimed the lives of Head Constable Zulfikar Ali and his wife. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Praying for the speedy recovery of their injured children.” He also directed authorities to provide all necessary medical assistance and support to the family.
The accident has cast a pall over Bhaderwah, a picturesque town in Doda district often called the “Mini Kashmir” for its meadows and serenity, but plagued by frequent road mishaps. Official data from the Motor Vehicles Department indicates over 200 fatalities on Doda’s highways last year, attributed to poor infrastructure, overloading, and reckless driving amid hilly terrain.
Tributes poured in from police colleagues, who remembered Head Constable Ali as a brave officer who served tirelessly in high-risk areas. “He was more than a colleague; he was a brother who put duty before self,” said a fellow officer. The J&K Police headquarters announced ex-gratia payments and assured comprehensive aid to the family.
This tragedy renews calls for urgent road safety measures in Jammu’s hilly regions, including better signage, guardrails, and enforcement of speed limits. As the community rallies around the grieving family, CM Abdullah’s words resonate with a collective resolve to honor the fallen by preventing such losses.
