The killing of a middle aged man allegedly by ‘cow vigilantes’ has triggered widespread protests and outrage in Bhadarwah, forcing the administration to impose curfew in the picturesque town.

Reports said a group of three persons were heading towards their native Mohalla Qilla area of Bhaderwah along with their cattle when they were fired upon at 2 am by alleged cow vigilantes near Nalthi village.

In the attack, Naeem Ahmad Shah (50) was killed on spot while two of his associates managed to escape with minor injuries.

The incident triggered widespread protests as people were demanding immediate arrest of the culprits.

Police claimed that seven suspects of village Kaathi-Nalthi have been detained, however, the main suspect is absconding.

Meanwhile, the protestors pelted stones on police station, demanding that the culprits should be handed over to them.

Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters, which further infuriated them following which they vandalised the parked vehicles by smashing their windowpanes.

The protesters also torched two auto rickshaws and a motorcycle at Seri Bazaar, Takia Chowk and Pasri Bus Stand.

The administration has imposed curfew and called out the army to control the situation.

“This is a cold-blooded murder and has been carried out on the behest of the goons of BJP, RSS and Shiv Sena, who are hell bent to polarize the situation here. If the kingpins are not booked immediately, this will have very dangerous consequences and for that only administration with Modi’s agenda will be responsible,” said Pervaiz Ahmed Sheikh, President Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhadarwah, while issuing a shutdown call against the incident.

Sensing the gravity of the matter, DDC Doda Dr Sagar Doifode, SSP Shabir Ahmed Malik and Commander 4 Sector RR Brig N.J.Singh are camping at Bhadarwah to assess the situation.

DDC Doda appealed people to remain calm and maintain peace and promised that the law will take its own course and all the culprits will brought to the book.

The ding-dong battles between security forces and protesters were going on at Takiya Chowk when last reports came in.