A chance discovery by a six-year-old boy in a garbage dump near the National Investigation Agency headquarters in Jammu has triggered a serious security scare and intensified surveillance in the area. The child, a resident of Asrarabad in the Sidhra locality, reportedly picked up a small metallic object while playing, mistaking it for a toy. When he brought it home and began playing with it, local residents grew suspicious and alerted the police.

Upon reaching the spot, police officials examined the object and sent it for forensic analysis, which confirmed that it was a high-precision rifle scope of Chinese origin. The optic is compatible with both assault rifles and sniper rifles, making it a sophisticated military-grade accessory rather than an ordinary discarded item. The proximity of the recovery site to the NIA’s Jammu and Kashmir headquarters significantly heightened concerns, prompting authorities to immediately cordon off and lock down the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.

Following the recovery, multiple security agencies launched extensive search operations across nearby garbage dumps, forested patches, and open fields to rule out the presence of additional weapons or components. Although no other suspicious material has been found so far, security forces remain on high alert. Special Operations Group personnel were also deployed in the Sidhra bypass area to assist in combing operations and strengthen surveillance.

The investigation took a new turn with the detention of 24-year-old Tanvir Ahmad from the Samba district for questioning. Ahmad, who originally hails from Anantnag in south Kashmir, reportedly had a Pakistani phone number stored on his mobile device, raising red flags for investigators. While authorities have not yet established a direct link between him and the recovered rifle scope, they are probing whether the object could be connected to a larger arms smuggling or terror logistics network operating in the region.

Security experts point out that such discarded weapon accessories are often indicators of militant groups attempting to move arms or evade checkpoints by using civilian routes. The recovery of a precision targeting device from a public dumping site is particularly alarming, as it suggests either careless disposal during transit or an attempt to conceal evidence. Similar incidents in the past have led to the exposure of smuggling networks and sleeper cells. Police have assured the public that the situation is under control but have emphasized the importance of vigilance. Residents have been urged to immediately report any suspicious objects or activities to authorities and to avoid touching unknown items, especially in sensitive areas. The incident once again highlights the fragile security environment in Jammu and Kashmir and the critical role public awareness plays in preventing potential threats.