Anantnag: The Jammu & Kashmir police have formally charged National Conference legislator Altaf Ahmad Wani, widely known as Altaf Kaloo, along with party spokesperson Umesh Bhat. The criminal complaint originates from a grievance lodged by the MLA’s Personal Security Officer (PSO).
The FIR was filed at Sadar Anantnag Police Station under Sections 121 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Investigators are now examining the facts surrounding the allegations.
Dispute Arose During a Security Assignment
According to the PSO’s statement, a heated verbal exchange broke out while he was on duty protecting the legislator. The confrontation allegedly escalated, prompting the officer to allege that Kaloo and Bhat physically assaulted him.
The officer further asserted that he sustained injuries, which led him to report the incident and trigger the FIR.
The matter remains under investigation; no court has yet ruled on the veracity of the claims.
MLA Refutes the Allegations
Altaf Kaloo has categorically rejected the accusations, describing them as baseless. He says he raised concerns with security officials after noticing that the PSO had been absent from his post for several consecutive days.
Kaloo maintains that he informed the Senior Superintendent of Police (Security) and requested verification. He contends that the officer responded by pushing him during the ensuing encounter.
The legislator has appealed to senior police leadership, including the IGP of Kashmir and the SSP of Anantnag, urging a fair and impartial probe.
Police Weigh Both Versions
The FIR outlines two conflicting narratives. The PSO claims he was assaulted while performing his duties; Kaloo, on the other hand, offers a divergent account of the same incident.
Kaloo has hinted at filing a counter‑complaint against the officer and urges investigators to scrutinise all statements and evidence before proceeding further.
Authorities have launched a formal inquiry to ascertain the exact circumstances of the reported clash and to establish the factual matrix of the case.
It is important to note that an FIR merely registers a complaint; it does not equate to guilt. Subsequent legal action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
