What Happened at Baisaran? CRPF's Response Under Scrutiny After Terror Attack

CRPF Investigates Terror Attack Response

In New Delhi, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is seeking information from the commanding officer of its Pahalgam unit, who was among the first responders to the Baisaran meadow incident where 26 individuals were tragically killed by terrorists on April 22. Sources indicate that CRPF Director General G P Singh conducted a video conference from Chhattisgarh, which included Commanding Officer Rajesh Kumar and other officers from the 116th battalion.

During the meeting, the Director General directed the Inspector General of the Kashmir Zone to gather detailed accounts from the commanding officer regarding the sequence of events during the attack and to assess any potential shortcomings from the unit's side.

Senior officials within the CRPF commended the bravery displayed by the commanding officer and his quick action team, who reached the scene approximately 40-45 minutes after receiving reports of the attack from ponywallahs.

However, there are concerns that the focus on accountability rather than recognition could negatively impact the morale of the unit's personnel, especially since the commanding officer acted swiftly with limited resources and without full knowledge of the threat level.

While the Director General acknowledged the unit's rapid response, he emphasized the CRPF's primary duty to ensure public safety.

He has requested a thorough account of the measures taken to prevent such incidents at tourist hotspots, which are located merely 6 kilometers from the battalion's base.

CRPF officials clarified that their operations are in support of the Union Territory and local police, meaning they cannot act independently. On the day of the attack, the CRPF was not assigned to secure the Baisaran area.

The Director General also stressed the importance of the CRPF conducting independent operations in Jammu and Kashmir to maintain safety in their designated areas.

Inquiries were made to facilitate improvements moving forward, according to a senior officer at the headquarters.

The Delta company base of the 116th CRPF battalion is situated just 6 kilometers from Baisaran. On the day of the incident, the commanding officer was alerted by ponywallahs who reported gunfire in the area.

Upon receiving this information, he promptly dispatched his quick action team, consisting of around 25 commandos, who undertook a challenging trek to the meadows.

Assistant Commandant Raashi Sikarwar was assigned to assist women and children, many of whom were injured and terrified.

This CRPF unit managed to rescue three men who had been shot, although one succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.