A 35-year-old woman, Pushpa Devi, died after being struck by a bullet that was accidentally fired by a Village Defence Guard (VDG) member in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night. The incident occurred in the Singpura Areagam village of the Chatroo area.

According to initial reports, Pushpa Devi was outside her house attending to daily chores when she was hit by the bullet. A senior police officer said that the bullet was allegedly fired accidentally from the weapon of a VDG member. Pushpa Devi died on the spot due to her injuries.

Following the incident, police took the VDG member into custody. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the firing. The police have promised a thorough investigation into the matter.

The incident has raised concerns among the local population regarding the safety, training, and accountability of VDG personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. Locals are demanding justice and a transparent investigation into the incident. Questions are being raised about the criteria for recruiting individuals into the VDG scheme, including whether psychological assessments are conducted and if adequate ethical training is provided alongside weapons training.

Pushpa Devi is survived by her husband, Rakesh Kumar, and their two young children.

Village Defence Guards (VDGs) are a vital part of the district's defense and security framework. On December 24, 2024, VDG members opened fire in the Kuntwara area of Kishtwar district after spotting suspected terrorist movement. The VDG has become a frequent target for terrorists in recent months.