PULWAMA, Apr 25: Following directives from Transport Commissioner J&K, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, the Enforcement Team of Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) Pulwama carried out an extensive enforcement drive today across several key routes of the district including Awantipora-Tral, Tral-Nowdal, Rajpora-Pulwama and Ring Roads as well as Pulwama Main Town.
During operation, the MVD team intercepted and thoroughly inspected 163 vehicles. During the exercise 67 vehicles were challaned for various offenses, including 30 riding without helmets, 19 seat belt violations and several cases of overloading in passenger vehicles.
To deter habitual offenders, the department initiated the suspension of 11 Driving Licenses (DLs) and 4 Registration Certificates (RCs) while also cancelling one vehicle fitness certificate and seizing two vehicles on the spot.
The drive led to the immediate realization of Rs. 37,400 in fines with additional Rs. 31,500 anticipated from the remaining challans.
More than 50 school buses were inspected and 10 of these were seized for non-compliance to extant norms and guidelines. The school management has been asked to keep their documents complete.
The day long drives were carried out by Rahil Anjum (MVI), Ashutosh Raina (MVI), Pankaj Bhat (MVTA), Irfan Ahmad (MVTA) and other officials under close supervision of ARTO Mohammad Shafait.
SRINAGAR, Apr 25: High Court has directed Principal Sessions Judge Kulgam to proceed in the trial of the accused involved in murder and other offences in the 10-year old case.
An FIR bearing No.96/2016 for offences under Section 147, 148, 149, 188, 336, 332, 188, 302, 307, 427, 436, 511 RPC, 7/27 Arms Act, 3 PSS Act, 3/2 PPD Act and 13 ULAP Act came to be registered with Police Station, Yaripora.
After investigation of the case, offences under Section 147, 148, 149, 188, 336, 332, 436, 511, 427 RPC, 3 PSS Act and 3/2 PPD Act were found established against accused Shiraz Ahmad Dar, Asif Ahmad Ganai, Zahoor Ahmad Nengroo, Towseef Ahamd Bhat, Sheikh Abdul Bari, Tariq Ahmad Parray, Khalid Hussain Malik, Siyar Ahmad Kumar, Sameer Ahmad Bhat and Sarjan Ahmad Wagay whereas offences under Section 302 RPC, 7/27 Arms Act and Section 13, 20, 38 ULAP Act, were found established against accused Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Hilal Ahmad Wani, Umar Majeed and Muzamil Manzoor.
After investigation of the case, offences other than offences under UAPA came to be established against 11 accused whereas four more accused offences under UAPA were also established. However, these four accused persons got killed in various encounters with the security forces while the investigation of the case was still in progress.
The investigating agency chose to file two separate charge sheets, one against 11 accused persons, who were alive, before the court of Principal Sessions, Judge, Kulgam and against these 11 persons offences under UAPA were not found established.
In respect of other four accused who got killed during investigation of the case, a separate charge sheet was filed before the court Special Judge (Designated under NIA) Kulgam after their death. Since these accused had died before the charge sheet could be filed against them, therefore, proceedings against them stood terminated as having abated.
The Principal Sessions Judge, Kulgam, vide his order dated 03.03.2025 observed that because all the offences including the offences under UAPA have been committed in the same transaction, therefore, in terms of Section 223 of the Cr. P. C, all the accused persons are required to be tried together. After holding so, he transferred the case to the Court of Special Judge (Designated under NIA), Kulgam.
The Special designated under NIA Act refused to entertain the challan as transferred by the Sessions court by observing that since there is no accused left to be tried separately warranting invocation of Section 220 of the Cr. P. C, the case is required to be tried by the Sessions Judge. Accordingly, the file was returned to the court of Principal Sessions Judge, Kulgam.
The Sessions Judge, Kulgam, after observing that there is no provision to transfer a criminal case by Additional Sessions Judge to the Court of Principal Sessions Judge. Thus, the chargesheet was again sent to the Court of Special Judge (Designated under NIA), Kulgam, for trial.
The Special Judge (Designated under NIA), Kulgam while refusing to retain the challan passed a detailed order observing therein that in terms of Section 20 of the National Investigation Agency Act he has the power to transfer cases to regular courts. Accordingly, in exercise of the power, he again transferred the case back to the Court of Principal Sessions Judge, Kulgam.
Justice Sanjay Dhar has held the decision of Special Judge under NIA act by transferring the matter to a regular criminal court i.e Sessions court as valid and directed the Sessions court to proceed in the cahllan further in accordance with law and the legal position.
“…Since the charge sheet against the accused who are alive does not disclose commission of offences under UAPA, therefore, Section 14 of the NIA Act cannot be invoked by the Special Judge for retaining the challan with it. The only option available with the Special Judge (Designated under NIA), in these circumstances, was to exercise its power of transfer in terms of Section 20 of the NIA Act, which the Judge rightly exercised by passing a detailed and lucid order dated 12.03.2026”, Justice Dhar said.
The court added that the Principal Sessions Judge, Kulgam, has mis-appreciated the whole facts and the legal position which has resulted in tossing of the case from one court to another court, as a consequence whereof, even the inquiry of the case has not been completed despite the challan having been presented about more than a year before.
REASI, Apr 25: District Police Reasi has booked a notorious drug peddler under the PIT NDPS Act and lodged him in District Jail Bhaderwah.
The accused has been identified as Sudershan Singh, alias Vishal (31), son of Sunder Singh, resident of Palpadi. Chinkah, Arnas, presently putting up at Trintha, Reasi. He was detained under the order, issued by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu.
The accused was involved in several NDPS cases registered at different police stations. Despite being booked multiple times under the NDPS Act and repeatedly warned to stop illegal activities, the accused continued supplying banned drugs to local youth for monetary gains. Keeping in view his continuous involvement in drug trafficking and to protect society from the menace of drugs, strict preventive action was taken against him under the PIT NDPS Act.
The whole investigation was conducted by PSI Rahul Jamwal and Police team, headed by SHO Reasi, Khyatimaan Khajuria, under the close supervision of Dy SP Headquarters, Reasi, Vishal Singh Jamwal and Addl SP Iftkhar Ahmed.
Meanwhile, Reasi Police destroyed illegally cultivated opium poppy crop at Mahore under `Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan’.
Acting on specific inputs, a police party of Police Post Shajroo, along with officials of the Revenue Department and local residents, conducted a joint operation at Village Mullas, Tehsil Mahore, where illegally cultivated poppy crop was identified and destroyed on the spot in accordance with legal procedures.
The entire operation was led by IC PP Shajroo under the close supervision of SDPO Mahore, Parul Bhardwaj.
Deputy Director, SKPA Udhampur, Rajesh Sharma, presenting certificate to a participant of CCTNS course.
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, April 25: A three-day training course on Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) concluded today at Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur, with a formal valedictory function.
The programme witnessed the participation of 22 police officers from different districts and wings of Jammu and Kashmir Police, up to the rank of Inspector, who underwent intensive training aimed at strengthening their technical proficiency in modern policing systems. The course was conducted with the objective of enhancing the participants’ understanding of the functioning and significance of CCTNS.
Developed on the foundation of experience gained from the earlier Common Integrated Police Application (CIPA), CCTNS is a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of the Government of India. It seeks to establish a comprehensive and integrated framework to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of policing through the adoption of e-governance practices, enabling a nationwide IT-enabled crime and criminal tracking system.
In this context, the training programme was designed to provide officers with practical exposure and hands-on skills essential for efficient use of the system in field operations.
A technical team from Range Police Headquarters (RPHQ) Udhampur-Reasi, led by Inspector Raghu Raj, acted as guest faculty during the programme. The team conducted detailed lectures along with practical sessions, offering participants in-depth insight into the operational and technical aspects of CCTNS and its role in strengthening policing mechanisms.
The valedictory function was presided over by Deputy Director SKPA, Rajesh Sharma, who distributed certificates among the participants and addressed the gathering. In his address, he underscored the importance of CCTNS knowledge for supervisory-level officers, stating that familiarity with the system enables effective monitoring and evaluation of subordinate staff engaged in CCTNS-related tasks. He also emphasized the need to ensure efficient and citizen-friendly service delivery through the proper implementation of the system.
The programme was coordinated by Inspector Vikas Manhas and Selection Grade Constable Ajay Singh of SKPA.
WASHINGTON, Apr 25: President Donald Trump has made it clear he expects his choice for Federal Reserve chair to quickly cut interest rates once he takes office. Yet Americans shouldn’t pencil in lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, or business loans just yet.
The odds of Kevin Warsh becoming chair by the time Jerome Powell’s term ends on May 15 shot higher Friday when US Attorney for Washington, DC, Jeanine Pirro, said she would drop her probe into Powell over his testimony last summer about the Fed’s costly building renovations.
But should he be confirmed, Warsh will still face several hurdles to reducing rates, including rising gas prices that are pushing up inflation, questions about his political independence, and 11 other Fed policymakers who have a vote on the decision, with most of them not ready to cut.
At a Senate hearing Tuesday, Warsh pledged to be independent from White House pressure, but said relatively little about the direction he would take rates. While economists say he was likely just being cautious, he missed a chance to lay out an argument for rate cuts.
“Warsh’s stated outlook is much more consistent with an extended hold than additional cuts,” Aditya Bhave, head of US economics at BofA Securities, wrote in a client note.
Trump, meanwhile, has kept up the pressure. When asked last week on Fox Business whether he still expects interest rates to decline, Trump said, “When Kevin gets in, I do … interest rates should be much lower.” (AP)
CHANDIGARH, Apr 25: Olympic hockey medallist Gurbax Singh Grewal has died following a heart attack in Zirakpur near here.
He was 84.
Grewal, who was part of the Indian team that secured a bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, died on Friday.
In a rare distinction, he represented India at the same Olympics alongside his brother Balbir Singh Grewal, marking one of the few instances of siblings featuring together in the national hockey side at the Games.
Beyond his playing career, Grewal served as a senior sports officer with Western Railways, where he played a key role in identifying and inducting talent, including several players from Rajasthan, into the Railways hockey setup.
After retiring from service in Mumbai, he remained actively involved in the sport’s administration, serving as honorary secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association. (PTI)
Members of Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association meeting at Akhnoor.
Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Apr 25: Akhnoor unit of the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Association held its monthly meeting under the chairmanship of its president, Lakhbir Singh Sohan, a Naval veteran.
The meeting witnessed active participation from veterans of the Army, Navy and Air Force residing in the area. Group Captain Sanjiv Gupta (Retd) attended the meeting as a special guest.
During the meeting, members discussed several issues concerning Ex-servicemen and their families. Key matters included pension-related grievances, healthcare facilities under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), welfare schemes, the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan, and traffic problems in Akhnoor town.
Addressing the gathering, the chairman highlighted various schemes and benefits available to Ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and widow pensioners. He also apprised members of the latest rules and developments related to Ex-servicemen welfare and stressed the need to strengthen the association.
A significant concern raised during the meeting was the critical health condition of the only son of Havildar Dev Raj, who is suffering from a serious heart ailment requiring immediate transplantation. The family is facing financial hardship, compounded by the nearing expiry of their ECHS card. The chairman appealed to members to extend moral and financial support to the affected family.
The association also discussed a charter of demands submitted to the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory on April 21, 2026. Other welfare issues, including the construction of a Sainik House in Akhnoor, were deliberated upon. Members resolved to enhance outreach efforts to address pension, CSD and ECHS-related concerns.
Speaking on the occasion, Group Captain Sanjiv Gupta (Retd) emphasized unity among Ex-servicemen and suggested preparing an annual roadmap for future activities. He also proposed celebrating Kargil Vijay Diwas and Republic Day collectively.
Proceedings of the meeting were conducted by General Secretary Kaka Ram Captain Romesh Chander concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Sanjiv Gupta, Jugal Gupta, Vijay Kumar, Rameshwar Dutt and Raghuvir Singh.
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 25: Udhampur Police foiled two bovine smuggling attempts in separate incidents and rescued 17 bovine animals.
During naka checking at Phalata Chowk NHW, a police party of PS Rehambal signaled a Mahindra Load Carrier (chassis without registration number) to stop for checking. However, the driver ignored the signal, crossed the naka, abandoned the vehicle nearby and fled from the spot.
During checking of the vehicle, eight bovine animals were found loaded in a cruel manner and tied with ropes. All the bovines were rescued safely and the vehicle was seized. In this regard, FIR No. 89/2026 U/S 223 BNS & 11 PCA Act has been registered at PS Rehambal.
Meanwhile, a police party of PS Kud stopped Tata Yodha vehicle bearing registration number JK14J-1746 for checking. The driver stopped the vehicle but managed to flee from the spot.
During checking, nine bovine animals were found loaded in the vehicle in a very cruel manner. All the bovines were rescued safely and the vehicle was seized. In this regard, FIR No. 15/2026 U/S 223(a) BNS & 11 PCA Act has been registered at PS Kud. Further investigation into both the cases is underway.
Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Apr 25: Police have solved a theft case at Adhkuwari within five days of its reporting and apprehended two accused persons with recovery of stolen property worth approximately Rs 1.55 lakh.
A complaint regarding theft of valuable articles was received at Police Post Adhkuwari under the jurisdiction of Police Station Bhawan. Acting swiftly, SHO Bhawan Inspector Parmodh Singh Bajju constituted a special team headed by Incharge Police Post Adhkuwari SI Mayank Jamwal and launched an investigation.
Through CCTV footage analysis and technical surveillance, police arrested one accused namely Nasib Singh, son of Kishan Singh, resident of Balgoa, Tehsil Jawali, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. From his possession, stolen mobile phones including two SIM cards, debit cards and two Army canteen cards were recovered.
During questioning, the accused disclosed that the stolen mobile phones had been sold to one Sunil Walia of Kazipur, District Pathankot, Punjab. Acting on this lead, the police team conducted an interstate raid and apprehended the second accused from Malikpur Chowk, Pathankot.
On his disclosure, stolen items worth Rs 1.55 lakh, including Samsung S24 Ultra, Samsung F54 and DJI Mic, was recovered. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Dy SP Bhawan, Mahesh Sharma and SP Katra, Kameshwar Puri.
Dignitaries during a literary event in Jammu on Saturday.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 25: Hindi Department of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) here today organized a literary programme under its ongoing series ‘Meet the Eminent Writer’ featuring noted Kashmiri writer Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi.
The programme was presided over by eminent Punjabi writer Khalid Hussain while noted Hindi writer Dr. Agnisaksher attended as guest of honour and delivered the keynote address.
On this occasion, Sahitya Akademi Award-winning prominent multilingual writer and translator Nisar Azam presented a detailed and scholarly paper on the works of Dr. Masoodi.
In her welcome address, Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kour, emphasized the importance of organizing such programmes to recognize and honour the contributions of eminent writers.
Dr. Agnisaksher appreciated the scholarly presentation by Nisar Azam, stating that the paper had comprehensively explored various aspects of Masoodi’s poetry.
Prominent Dogri writer and president Dogri Sanastha, Padma Shree Prof. Lalit Magotra while sharing his perspective on Dr. Masoodi’s literary persona remarked that the paper presented by Nisar Azam enabled him to connect with Masoodi as a poet in a deeper sense.
Javed Rahi, Additional Secretary of the Academy, Padma Shri awardee Jitendra Udhampuri and Khalid Hussain also spoke on the occasion.
The programme was conducted by Dr. Chanchal Sharma, Editor Hindi.
On this occasion, the Academy felicitated Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi, Khalid Hussain, Dr. Agnisaksher and Nisar Azam.
The event concluded with formal vote of thanks by Lal Chand, Additional Secretary of JKAACL.
