Srinagar Police arrest retired officer's son over AK-47 threat in Saderbal

Srinagar Police arrest retired officer's son after weapon threat in Saderbal

Srinagar Police have taken swift action by arresting the son of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) after he allegedly threatened a neighbour with an official service weapon in the Saderbal area of Hazratbal.

The accused, identified as Junaid Ahmad Band, was taken into custody following a formal complaint and social media video footage showing him brandishing an AK-47 assault rifle outside a resident's house. Police registered an official case at Nigeen Police Station and launched a full investigation into how the service weapon, assigned to a Police Security Officer (PSO), came to be used.

What happened in Saderbal

The incident unfolded in the Saderbal neighbourhood within the Hazratbal area of Srinagar. Hilal Ahmad Mir, a local resident and son of Mohammad Sultan Mir, filed a complaint alleging that he was intimidated and threatened by Junaid Ahmad Band, whose father is retired DySP Mohammad Yousuf Band.

According to the complaint and video evidence shared online, the accused allegedly obtained the service weapon belonging to the PSO assigned to protect the retired officer. Armed with the AK-47 rifle, he confronted his neighbour outside the family property, prompting the victim to seek urgent police protection and intervention.

Prompt police action and investigation

Demonstrating rapid response to maintain law and order, Srinagar Police promptly took cognizance of both the formal complaint and the public report. Authorities registered First Information Report (FIR) No. 123/2026 at Police Station Nigeen under applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Police officers immediately located and detained Junaid Ahmad Band to prevent further escalation and ensure neighbourhood safety.

A police spokesperson confirmed that investigators are now scrutinising every aspect of the incident, with particular focus on the security breach surrounding the service weapon.

"The alleged accused has been taken into custody, and the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the use of the official weapon and the role of the concerned PSO, are being thoroughly examined," the spokesperson said.

Investigators are determining how the weapon was left accessible or handed over, and whether the assigned security officer failed in his duty to safeguard the government-issued firearm. Further legal proceedings will follow based on established evidentiary facts.

Law enforcement stance on public safety

The swift police action in Hazratbal reflects the firm stance of law enforcement authorities towards weapon misuse and public intimidation in Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar Police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and civil order, reassuring residents that legal standards apply equally to all individuals regardless of family background or past police connections.

Police authorities also issued an advisory requesting citizens and media platforms to avoid spreading unverified rumours or speculating while the formal investigation proceeds at Nigeen Police Station.