Two Special Police Officers (SPO), who went missing during patrolling in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar on Wednesday, were found dead on Thursday morning , officials said.
Who are Special Police Officers
Special Police Officers (SPOs) are local residents appointed to assist the regular police in maintaining law and order, particularly when the existing police force is not sufficient to handle a situation. In remote areas, where security forces may not be able to reach in time during an emergency, Village Defence Committees, which usually have two SPOs, take on terrorists in the event of an attack. The Magistrate is generally required to approve the police officer’s request to appoint SPOs, unless there is a valid reason to refuse it. Once appointed, SPOs are given powers and responsibilities similar to those of regular police officers. They are required to follow police instructions, perform their assigned duties and work under the supervision of the police authorities.
Under the Police Act, 1861, a police officer of at least the rank of Inspector can approach the nearest Magistrate to seek the appointment of local residents as SPOs when there is a threat of riots, violence, public unrest or disturbance of peace.
“The bodies have been found but weapons are missing,” said an official, who declined to be named.
