A major security alert was triggered in Jammu and Kashmir's Ramban district after a suspicious Scorpio SUV allegedly broke through a security checkpoint on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway during the early hours of Friday. The incident prompted an immediate response from police and security forces, leading to an extensive search operation across the area.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when a black Scorpio was travelling from Srinagar towards Jammu. As the vehicle approached a security checkpoint in the Chanderkote area, police personnel signaled the driver to stop for routine inspection. Instead of complying, the driver accelerated, smashed through the barricades, and sped towards Nashri.

Considering the vehicle's actions highly suspicious, police personnel attempted to stop it by firing three rounds. Officials stated that the objective was to disable the SUV by targeting its tyres and prevent any potential security threat. Despite the gunfire, the driver continued to flee.

Security personnel immediately launched a pursuit while alerting nearby checkpoints. After covering some distance, the driver reportedly abandoned the SUV near Dalwas and escaped under the cover of darkness before security teams reached the spot.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Arun Gupta reached the location shortly after the incident and supervised the initial investigation. He confirmed that the abandoned Scorpio had been seized and that investigators were examining every possible angle. Officials stated that no conclusions would be drawn until the investigation is completed.

Following the incident, authorities declared a high alert across the district. Joint teams of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Army launched coordinated search operations in Chanderkote, Nashri, Dalwas, nearby forests, villages, and surrounding mountainous areas.

Security personnel intensified vehicle checking on the national highway and established additional checkpoints. Every passing vehicle is being thoroughly inspected to ensure that no suspect escapes the area. Search teams are also monitoring possible escape routes leading into remote forested regions.

Investigators are using drones, sniffer dogs, and surveillance equipment to locate the absconding driver. CCTV footage from the highway and nearby locations is being analysed to trace the movement of the vehicle before and after the incident. Police are also verifying the registration details, chassis number, and ownership records of the seized Scorpio.

Authorities are trying to determine why the driver attempted to evade the checkpoint. Investigators are examining whether the vehicle was carrying any suspicious material or whether the driver was involved in any criminal or unlawful activity. The SUV has been sent for forensic examination to collect scientific and physical evidence that may assist the investigation.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is considered one of the most strategically important routes in the region. It serves as a crucial transport corridor for civilian traffic, security forces, and the annual Amarnath Yatra. Because of its strategic significance, any attempt to breach a security checkpoint is treated with utmost seriousness. Security agencies continue to search for the absconding driver while the investigation remains underway.