Jammu, March 12 Kamal Singh Jamwal, the man who allegedly attempted to assassinate National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, acted alone, officials said on Thursday, ruling out the possibility of further arrests in the case.
The officials said that the police have initiated a detailed investigation into the background of the accused to unravel the mystery behind the firing at a marriage function on Wednesday night, which sparked widespread condemnation across the country.
The police have also registered a case against Jamwal under relevant sections of law, including attempt to murder and using a weapon against him, after he allegedly attempted to assassinate the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir at a marriage venue in the Greater Kailash area near here, the officials said.
The police are examining Jamwal's background, including his personal, social, and possible organizational connections, to ascertain the motive behind the firing incident, they said.
Abdullah narrowly escaped when the accused allegedly fired at him from close range while he was leaving the marriage function on Wednesday night.
Security personnel immediately intervened and foiled the assassination attempt. A licensed pistol used in the crime was recovered from Jamwal's possession.
J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, were also accompanying the NC chief when the incident occurred.
Jamwal, a resident of Purani Mandi in Jammu, told police that he had been waiting for an opportunity to target Abdullah for the last 20 years, without citing any reason for his grudge, the officials said.
They said that the accused was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
So far, the investigation has found that the accused acted alone while he was intoxicated, an official said, requesting not to be identified.
According to the officials, the police are examining all angles, including his recent activities and movements before the attack.
Senior police officers are currently questioning Jamwal, who told investigators that he earns his livelihood from the rent generated by his shops.
The officials said that security arrangements at the venue are being reviewed to determine how the accused managed to enter the function with a weapon.
Jamwal, who is married and has three children, including two daughters, was reportedly accompanying the wedding procession to the venue as a close relative of the groom's family.
Abdullah was among the participants who turned up to bless the newly-wed couple on the invitation of a party colleague whose daughter was getting married.
According to the officials, Jamwal was initially associated with Jagran Manch, a socio-political group, and later joined the National Panthers Party. He had also unsuccessfully contested municipal elections from his ward.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal has condemned the attack on Abdullah, saying "such acts of violence are unacceptable and have no place in a democratic and civilized society".
"Since the accused has been arrested, the authorities must ensure a thorough and transparent investigation so that the complete facts behind the attack come to light and strict action is taken in accordance with the law," Sirwal said.