A top government officer was killed and two others were seriously injured after a shell fired from across the border hit a residential building in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir early Saturday, according to officials. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rajouri), Raj Kumar Thapa, was injured along with two staff members when an artillery shell struck his official residence in Rajouri town. Thapa died while undergoing treatment. His staff members remain in critical condition.

Officials confirm casualties, medical aid provided

The shelling took place in the early hours, hitting the officer’s residence directly. Officials said Thapa and his team were taken to Government Medical College for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, Thapa succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed the condition of the two injured staff remains critical.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss.

“Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services. Just yesterday he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district & attended the online meeting I chaired. Today the residence of the officer was hit by Pak shelling as they targeted Rajouri town killing our Additional District Development Commissioner Sh Raj Kumar Thappa. I've no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace,” the chief minister posted on X.

Officials have not confirmed the reason behind the shelling or if there was any warning. No civilian casualties were reported outside the officer’s residence. Security forces and local administration are monitoring the situation.