Security forces on Sunday shot dead a mentally challenged  person at the midnight near the Airforce station Budgam in  Kashmir, the police said.

The police said the unidentified man was warned and warning shots were fired but still he continued to approach the Airforce station.

"At airforce station Budgam around  midnight  unidentified individual entered the security zone area. He crossed the security fence and came close to the station perimeter wall. Despite repeated warning from the sentry the individual did not stop. The sentry fired some warning shots in air  but the individual did not stop.The sentry fired towards him", Srinagar based police spokesman said.

He said later on station authorities informed the Police post Humhama. The SHO and DO rushed to the scene of occurrence.

He said the spot examination revealed that the individual of about 50-55 years of age who appears to be mentally challenged has succumbed. The person  being identified is not wearing
foot wears, is without proper winter clothing and has no identity card.

Local police has taken body in custody and is in the process of ascertaining the identity of the individual. The police have registered and  started investigation.