In Qazigund, Srinagar, a tragic incident unfolded where a 25-year-old man, Zahid Ahmad Banday, was killed by a thief posing as a security force official. The incident occurred late Thursday night in the Sangran village of Qazigund, in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir. Zahid, a shopkeeper, was preparing for his wedding next month.

According to police reports, the accused arrived at the Banday family's home around 12:30 am, feigning a security operation. To appear legitimate, he was accompanied by a differently-abled neighbor. He wore a black uniform resembling that of security personnel and carried a toy pistol, a dagger, and a walkie-talkie. The imposter informed the family that he was conducting a Cordon-and-Search Operation (CASO) and instructed them to hand over their mobile phones and switch off the CCTV camera.

Initially, the family believed it was a genuine security operation. However, Zahid grew suspicious when the accused began searching rooms and insisted on disabling surveillance. During the confrontation, the accused allegedly stabbed Zahid in the chest, leaving him in a pool of blood. The attacker then attempted to escape by jumping from a first-floor window, injuring his leg in the process. Locals apprehended him shortly after and handed him over to the police.

Bashir Ahmad, a retired Army officer and neighbor who spoke with the family, recounted that the family initially believed the operation was real. The accused, identified as Naseer Ahmad Sheikh, even called out after stabbing Zahid, further attempting to maintain his facade.

The police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the killing. The SIT is headed by Deputy Superintendent of Police, Qazigund, Mansoor Ayaz, under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) National Highway, Mumtaz Bhati, and the oversight of Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulgam, Sahil Sarangal.