A Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer identified as Dr Raj Kumar Thapa was killed after his residence in Rajouri was hit by Pakistan shelling.
Thapa was serving as additional district development commissioner (ADDC) of Rajouri. He had also served as special secretary labour and employment department.
An MBBS, Thapa was at home when artillery fire from across the border struck him and his two staff members. They were immediately rushed to the Government Medical College, where he succumbed to his injuries. The condition of the other two staff members remains critical.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid his respects to the deceased officer.
“Devastating news from Rajouri. We have lost a dedicated officer of the J&K Administration Services. Just yesterday he was accompanying the Deputy CM around the district and attended the online meeting I chaired,” Abdullah said in a statement.
“Today the residence of the officer was hit by Pakistan shelling as they targeted Rajouri town. I've no words to express my shock & sadness at this terrible loss of life. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.

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