Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 25: Over 300 people took out a candle march at Bahu Fort area this evening, demanding fair investigation into circumstances surrounding the “mysterious death” of a doctor from the locality in Doda district and justice to the victim’s family members.
Dr Prabhjot Chalotra, 27, a resident of Bahu Fort, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Gandoh area of Doda district on April 20.
His body was handed over to the family the next day. Since then, the family has alleged foul play and questioned the circumstances surrounding his death.
The candle march, organised by the family, started from the doctor’s residence and concluded at Saryara Sabha, Bahu Fort.
Participants carried candles and raised slogans seeking justice. A large number of local residents joined the protest.
Bahu constituency MLA Vikram Randhawa also participated in the march and demanded a fair probe.
He said the circumstances surrounding the death raised serious doubts and alleged attempts were being made to suppress the matter.
The MLA also questioned the conduct of the postmortem, claiming it was carried out without the family’s consent.
He said he had faith in the police investigation but warned that if lapses were found, the family and supporters would seek a CBI inquiry.
Family members rejected initial claims of an accidental fall and said the condition of the body raised suspicion.
The deceased’s sister, Urmila, questioned how a fall from a height of around 300 feet could result in only a head injury without major fractures.
She also raised questions over the absence of visual evidence of the recovery despite claims that locals had helped retrieve the body.
The family further alleged that the doctor’s mobile phones had been formatted and his social media accounts deactivated, deepening suspicion.
The protesters later gathered outside Saryara Sabha and reiterated their demand for a time-bound and impartial investigation. The family said it would continue its fight until justice is delivered.
Jammu doctor’s ‘mysterious death’ in Doda: locals carry out candle march at Bahu Fort
12 drug peddlers sent to jail
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 25: Anantnag Police today detained 12 repeated drug peddlers under preventive provisions of law after obtaining necessary orders from the Executive Magistrates.
A Police spokesman said that they have been identified as habitual offenders involved in drug peddling and related activities, posed a serious threat to public health and safety.
“Despite prior actions, they continued to engage in illicit narcotics trade, prompting strict preventive measures,” he added.
“Accordingly, acting under the provisions of law and with due approval from the competent Executive Magistrates, all 12 accused have been detained and subsequently lodged in Subsidiary Jail Kehribal, Anantnag,” the spokesman added.
In the meantime, Police today attached properties valued at Rs 3.5 crores belonging to narcotics smugglers in Anantnag.
“The action follows the police’s intensified crackdown against Drug trafficking and under the aegis of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan,” the spokesperson said.
Sangam Police station attached two immovable properties linked to the two accused – Shakeel Ahmad Ganie and Farooq Ahmad Mir, both residents of Noorbagh’s Kreshbal area – under Section 68F of the NDPS Act, the spokesperson said.
The police attached a double-storey residential house along with one kanal of land belonging to Ganie, valued at over Rs 2 crore, he said.
“Another double-storey residential house along with one kanal of land belonging to Mir, valued at approximately Rs 1.5 crore, was also attached,” he added.
The attached properties have been identified as illegally acquired assets generated through proceeds of drug trafficking, he added.
GMC Jammu hosts CME programme on Advances in Biomarkers & Modern Medicine
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 25: A multidisciplinary Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on the theme “Biomarkers in Modern Medicine & Current Updates” was organized by the Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu under the aegis of the Association for Medical Updates, bringing together experts from across the country to deliberate on emerging trends in diagnostic medicine.
The CME was held under the leadership of Dr Rachna Sabharwal, HoD Biochemistry, GMC Jammu, who served as the organizing secretary. The event was inaugurated by Principal and Dean GMC Jammu, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, who attended as the chief guest, while Brigadier Prasad R Lele, Brig Med HQ 16 Corps, was the guest of honour. The programme was also attended by Dr Ashish Sharma, president, and Dr Apurva Agrawal, secretary general of the Association for Medical Updates.
On the occasion, the newly constituted executive body of the Association’s state chapter was announced. Dr Rachna Sabharwal was named president, with Dr Rajesh Mahajan as general secretary. Dr Rupali Bargotra will serve as vice president, while Dr Rahul Sharma and Dr Neelu Sharma were appointed joint secretaries and Dr Suman Kotwal as treasurer.
The CME featured a series of scientific sessions by eminent faculty. Dr Siddhartha Sharma spoke on “Electrophoresis and its Clinical Applications,”. Dr Varun Suthra presented on the integration of artificial intelligence, Ayurveda, and biochemistry in shaping personalized metabolic healthcare.
Dr Astha Sachan highlighted emerging insights into adipose fibrosis and metabolic dysfunction through her talk on endotrophin. Focusing on cardiac care, Dr Manish Raj Kulshrestha discussed a novel dual marker approach for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction. Dr Ashish Sharma elaborated on advancements in biomarkers for chronic kidney disease.
The programme also addressed pressing issues beyond diagnostics. Dr Nirupam Madaan, Medical Superintendent AIIMS New Delhi, spoke on “Violence against Doctors,” while Dr Swati Rajput from AIIMS Vijaypur delivered a lecture on “Molecular Tumor Board.”
Two panel discussions on stroke and cancer further enriched the academic exchange. The CME was accredited with four credit hours by the J&K Medical Council.
Munish meets Dr Jitendra, discusses Jammu’s untapped tourism potential
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 25: Senior BJP leader and former general secretary, Munish Sharma called on Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh and held a comprehensive discussion on key sectors including tourism, renewable energy, and smart agriculture aimed at strengthening Jammu’s economy.
During the meeting, Munish Sharma highlighted the immense and largely untapped tourism potential of the Jammu region. He emphasized that Jammu has the capacity to emerge as a major hub for diverse tourism activities such as trekking, winter sports, spiritual tourism, and offbeat travel experiences. He noted that the region offers unique opportunities for peace seekers, adventure enthusiasts, and road trip lovers.
Sharma stressed that tourism opportunities are not confined to a few popular destinations but are spread across all ten districts of Jammu. He underlined the need for proactive measures to develop and promote tourist destinations across the region, from Bani-Basohli to Ramban, and from Rajouri to Poonch. He pointed out that several picturesque and culturally rich locations such as Latti, Dudu, Pancheri, Basantgarh, Dagantop, Sarthaltop, Sinthan Top, Budha Amarnath, Loran, Sangaldan, Bani, and Sarthal have remained unexplored for decades despite their vast potential.
Highlighting the scope of adventure tourism, Sharma said activities like river rafting and paragliding can attract a new segment of tourists and help place Jammu prominently on the national tourism map.
Apart from traditional tourist spots, Sharma also drew attention to emerging attractions such as Suchetgarh border, Tawi riverfront, Tirupati Balaji temple, and Jambu Zoo, which are rapidly gaining popularity among visitors.
Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the concerns and constructive suggestions put forward by Munish Sharma. He acknowledged the vast potential of the Jammu region and reiterated that the Union Government is committed to its holistic development. He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, several initiatives have been launched to boost infrastructure, tourism, and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, and assured continued efforts to develop unexplored destinations and improve connectivity in remote areas.
Balbir slams PDD for acute power crisis
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 25: Launching a sharp attack on the Power Development Department (PDD), BJP spokesperson and former Vice Chairman, Balbir Ram Rattan has held the Department responsible for its continued failure to develop and maintain power infrastructure, resulting in recurring electricity crises during Summer months.
Expressing serious concern over the power cuts imposed across Jammu region, Balbir said that with the rise in temperature, when people need uninterrupted electricity the most, the PDD has once again resorted to load shedding, putting immense hardship on residents. He pointed out that this is not a new problem but a repeated pattern that exposes the Department’s lack of planning and accountability.
Balbir said that every year the Department makes tall claims and assurances of ensuring smooth and regular power supply, particularly in metered areas, but consistently fails to deliver on its promises. He said that the core issue lies in the PDD’s inability to undertake timely upgradation of infrastructure in line with the increasing demand for electricity, coupled with poor maintenance of the existing system.
“Electricity is not a luxury but an essential service that directly impacts daily life, health, education, business activities, and overall productivity. The ongoing power cuts during Summer are not just inconvenient but unacceptable,” he asserted.
He further said that Jammu region, known for its extreme Summer heat, suffers the most due to this administrative negligence. Households, small businesses, students, and patients are bearing the brunt of this failure, while the Department continues to pass the blame without concrete action on the ground.
Balbir demanded that strict directions and clear accountability mechanisms be put in place to ensure that the PDD takes proactive and timely measures for infrastructure upgradation and proper maintenance. He emphasized that long-term planning, modernization of the grid, and efficient load management are essential to prevent such crises in the future.
Migrants show concern over denial of ration
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 25: Displaced Kashmiri Pandit relief holders have shown serious concern over non delivery of ration for the month of April to them.
In a statement leaders of various organisations including chairman Congress Migrant Cell, Hira Lal Pandita, chairman Jagti Migrants Welfare Front, Sunil Pandita, Vinod Pandita social activist and others have said that there is a brewing resentment among the community over deliberate attempts being made by the Government to deny the monthly ration to the relief holders who are totally dependent on Government’s support after their mass exodus from Valley in 1990.
They said instead of taking concrete steps of restoring the homes and hearths to displaced people from Valley during last 37 years, the Government is day in and day out adopting such policies and schemes that are aimed to crush this hapless community.
They said that earlier the higher ups in Government had assured that the filling up of NAFSA forms is not mandatory but now they have stopped the ration of those relief holders who have not filled up these forms despite the fact that the relief and ration given to migrants falls under security related expenditures and it has nothing to do with national food policy.
They said it is a pity that due to weak policies of the successive governments we have been forced to leave Valley and pass days in exile outside Kashmir. Many families are totally in distress and facing starvation as the ration has been stopped to them. Moreover, while going for punching at the ration depots even old and inform people including ladies have to wait for hours together due to non functioning of punching machine. One old lady fainted in the scorching heat at Jagti today but no one at the helm of affairs is ready to listen to the woes of these hapless people, they said.
They demanded that the Government should announce a clear cut policy about the Kashmiri migrants as how long the community will tolerate this humiliation.
Aga Mehdi visits Sharda temple Teetwal
Excelsior Correspondent
KARNAH, Apr 25: Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, MLA PDP visited Sharda temple LoC, Teetwal in Tangdar tehsil of Kupwara today.
He was received by Ravinder Pandita, Chairman of Save Sharda Committee, Ajaz Khan, coordinator, Mahaveer Thussu and scores of people.
This was his fifth visit and maiden visit after becoming MLA to Sharda temple. He visited crossing bridge and pitched for reopening of Sharda Peeth in PoK that was manifesto of his party PDP in elections. Earlier a large group of SKUAST students also paid visit and were briefed about this reclaimed heritage by Ravinder Pandita, founder of Save Sharda Committee Kashmir.
The students took keen interest in this heritage complex of temple & Gurudwara in the last village of India.
Shiv Sena flays administration for long power cuts
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 25: Flaying the J&K administration for long and unannounced power cuts during the ongoing heat wave, Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday termed the situation as complete administrative failure and warned street agitation if immediate steps are not taken to correct the system.
Addressing a press conference here today, J&K Shiv Sena president, Manish Sahni said that people of Jammu city and adjoining areas are suffering due to long power cuts amid soaring temperature with senior citizens, women, children, patients, students and traders facing severe hardship due to power outages.
He said that the election promises of 24×7 uninterrupted power supply, smart infrastructure and 200 units of free electricity now stand completely exposed.
The Shiv Sena leader alleged that the public is being burdened on the name of smart and prepaid meters, even as the supply situation remains worse.
He demanded a special 24×7 summer emergency power plan for Jammu, with priority supply to hospitals, water supply pumping stations and residential areas.
Sanjeev Kohli, Aditya Mahajan and Sanjay Bhatt were also present in the press conference.
Samooh organises Children’s Dogri Dance Festival
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 25: Samooh Theatre group in collaboration with Perfect Foundation Public School, Janipur here today organised a one-day children’s Dogri dance festival along with a solo theatrical performance of ‘Bhole Ram Da Jeev’.
Sunita Gupta, former JMC Councillor was chief guest and she appreciated the vibrant and energetic performances by the young participants and lauded the solo performance of ‘Bhole Ram Da Jeev’ by Rajinder Kumar Narang.
In welcome address, Dr. Sudhir Mahajan highlighted the importance of nurturing art, culture and language, especially the mother tongue among children.
He emphasized that exposure to music, dance and theatre, plays a vital role in developing aesthetic sensibilities and contributes significantly to the holistic development of young minds.
The participating children included Anayna Gupta, Shivayanya Dogra, Vidhyanshi Gupta, Vanya Suri, Aroohi Gupta, Samridhi Sharma, Niharika, Trisha, Aashi and Aroohi.
The distinguished attendees were Yash Pal, Ashok Gupta, Sweety Zutshi, Sheetal Manhas and Priyanka Thakur along with other dignitaries representing the school.
The performances were adjudicated by Rajinder Kumar Narang, eminent theatre activist and Ravi Sharma, noted choreographer.
Arun Sharma managed and assisted all stage arrangements while Pooja choreographed the performances. The programme was anchored by Tejaswini.
The event concluded with formal vote of thanks by Raj Dev Singh.
Senior NC leader Rajinder Singh Chambyal resigns
Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Apr 25: In a significant blow to the National Conference in Doda, Senior Vice President Rajinder Singh Chambyal has resigned from the party’s primary membership and all official positions with immediate effect.
A veteran leader who joined the party in 1977, Chambyal stated that he has remained dedicated to the NC’s ideals for nearly five decades, often prioritizing party work over his personal life.
However, in his resignation letter, Chambyal cited a growing sense of discomfort and constraint within the party.
He emphasized that the current environment was adversely affecting his mental well-being and physical health, making it necessary to step down.
While expressing gratitude to the leadership for past opportunities, he maintained that exiting was essential for his personal welfare.