An 18-year-old from Ratnipora village, Faizaan Qayoom Bhat, is in critical condition at SKIMS after being assaulted with a wooden rod by 45-year-old Younis Sheikh from Puchal village during a cricket match in Lajura.
Witnesses reported that the incident occurred following a scuffle between players from Puchal and Ratnipora teams over a player’s residence during the final overs of the match. The argument escalated, leading Younis Sheikh to strike Faizaan with a rod, causing severe head trauma.
Faizaan was initially taken to District Hospital Pulwama and later referred to SKIMS Soura for advanced treatment due to the severity of his injuries.
His uncle confirmed that Faizaan’s teammates have reported the incident to the Pulwama police. The family is anxious about Faizaan’s condition and is demanding strict legal action against Younis Sheikh.
Police officials in Pulwama have acknowledged the incident and are conducting an investigation.
“This heinous act must be met with the full force of the law. Sheikh Younis should be arrested and held accountable for his actions without any delay,” stated Mir Ubaid, Faizaan’s teammate.