Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Apr 27: Police apprehended two drug peddlers with contraband substance at Searly Naka and attached a motorcycle of another drug peddler in a separate case under NDPS Act.
The accused were identified as Hussain Mohd, son of Shreef Mohd, resident of Chamba, Reasi and Mubarkah Mohd, son of Abdul Majid, resident of Chamba, Reasi. During their search, 2.5 grams of Heroin was recovered from their possession.
In this regard, FIR No. 122/2026 has been registered at the Police Station Katra under sections 8/21/22/29 NDPS Act and further investigation has been taken up.
Meanwhile, Police attached an illegally acquired property, a motorcycle bearing registration number JK21B1371, belonging to a notorious drug peddler namely Ajay Singh, son of Rattan Singh of Panthal, Katra.
The property has been attached under the provisions of Section 68F of the NDPS Act in connection with FIR No. 99/2025 registered under sections 8/21/22/29 NDPS Act at Police Station Katra. The accused Ajay Singh is a habitual offender and has been previously involved in multiple criminal cases registered at Police Station Katra.
2 drug peddlers held with heroin
NFSA cruel joke, draconian assault on KP genocide victims: Youth4PK
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Youth 4 Panun Kashmir strongly condemned the ongoing NFSA integration process imposed upon displaced Kashmiri Hindus, calling it a draconian and deeply insensitive exercise that trivializes the suffering of a genocide-displaced community.
In a statement issued here, today Y4PK said “What is being presented as a welfare reform is, in reality, a bureaucratic imposition riddled with anomalies, exclusions, and procedural indignities that reduce victims of ethnic cleansing into mere data points in a Government registry”. For over three decades, Kashmiri Pandits have lived in exile after being forcibly uprooted from their ancestral homeland, yet instead of addressing this reality with seriousness and dignity, the State appears intent on subsuming their distinct identity under generic welfare classifications. This is not reform-it is administrative erasure.
Digamber Raina, general secretary of Youth 4 PK, stated that reducing Kashmiri Pandit genocide victims to entries in a food security database is nothing short of a cruel joke, emphasizing that Kashmiri Hindus are not ordinary migrants seeking charity but victims of a historical and civilizational rupture, and any attempt to categorize them within routine welfare frameworks without safeguarding their distinct status reflects a complete lack of understanding of their trauma.
Rajesh Kachroo, organising secretary, added that the anomalies emerging from this process expose the callousness of the system, where displaced families are once again being forced into cycles of verification, documentation hurdles, and arbitrary exclusions, effectively being made to prove their victimhood repeatedly, which he termed as bureaucratic cruelty masquerading as governance.
Sahil Pandita, coordinator, Y4PK, further stated that the Government cannot hide behind technical language and administrative jargon to justify a flawed and insensitive policy, underscoring that welfare access cannot come at the cost of dignity, identity, and historical truth and that any integration which creates fear, uncertainty, or dilution of entitlements is fundamentally unacceptable and must be halted immediately.
Standing firmly with the overwhelming sentiments of the majority of the KP community, they demanded an immediate suspension of the current NFSA integration process, a comprehensive audit of all anomalies, and a clear, written assurance that the migrant status, relief entitlements, and identity of Kashmiri Pandit genocide victims will not be diluted under any circumstances.
Judicial Authority Undermined
Judicial Authority Undermined
There is something deeply troubling about a Government that must be repeatedly reminded to respect the judiciary. The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has once again been compelled to issue a stern rebuke to the administration for its persistent failure to file replies, produce records, and ensure proper representation before the court. This is not an isolated lapse. It is a pattern, and a dangerous one at that. The facts speak for themselves. A petition filed as far back as June 2023 has dragged on, not because of legal complexity, but because the respondents simply chose not to respond. The right to file a reply was eventually closed. Records directed to be produced were never brought. Counsel failed to appear. Reminders were issued, telephonic requests were made, and yet the silence from the administration remained undisturbed. When the High Court observes that the Government has shown “scant respect” for its orders, it is not speaking in hyperbole. It is stating a constitutional crisis hiding in plain sight.
Courts, by convention and by temperament, tend to be patient with Government offices. They extend opportunities, grant adjournments, and allow time. This generosity, however, is being systematically abused. What should have been a courtesy extended on occasion has been converted into a permanent escape route by an indifferent bureaucracy. At some point, leniency without accountability ceases to be judicial grace and becomes an enabler of administrative negligence. The consequences are far-reaching. Litigants with genuine grievances wait endlessly while the machinery of the State neither defends its position nor concedes fault. The court’s docket swells with preventable delays. Public confidence in governance and in the justice system erodes simultaneously. The rule of law demands that every organ of the State, including the executive, submit itself to judicial oversight and comply with its directions promptly and completely.
The High Court has rightly summoned the Law Secretary to appear in person. This is not a punitive gesture but a necessary assertion of constitutional authority. The judiciary is not a subordinate institution to be accommodated at the administration’s convenience. It is an independent and equal pillar of democracy, entrusted with safeguarding citizens’ rights against the very State they depend upon. Concrete, verifiable mechanisms for tracking cases, ensuring timely replies, and fixing individual accountability must be established without further delay. The honour of the State is inseparable from its respect for the Court.
Ritika meets Delhi CM, pushes for strengthening BBBP
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Aimed to strengthen the implementation of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative in Jammu & Kashmir, Ritika Trehan, convenor of the project, called on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, here today.
On the occasion, Ritika Trehan apprised the CM of ongoing efforts and challenges related to the BBBP initiative in the region. Ritika accompanied by co-convenor Sarojni Sharma, highlighted the pressing need to further strengthen awareness, outreach and implementation mechanisms of the scheme, particularly in remote and underserved areas of Jammu & Kashmir.
She emphasized that despite progress, many girls still face barriers in accessing quality education, safety and equal opportunities.
“Empowering girls through education and proper guidance is the cornerstone of building a progressive society,” she noted, adding that sustained support and innovative approaches are essential to ensure that the objectives of the BBBP programme are fully realized on the ground.
CM Rekha Gupta shared insights into various initiatives being undertaken for women and youth, affirming that these sectors remain a priority and that the Government is committed to accelerating progress.
Among others who were present during the meeting included Manish Gupta, Mridula Pradhan and Anju Ahuja (Director, Ahuja Shawls).
Anshul Mishra crowned India No. 1 amateur golfer
CHANDIGARH, Apr 27: Young golfer Anshul Mishra has officially become India’s top-ranked amateur golfer.
According to the latest Gentlemen Merit List issued by the Indian Golf Union (IGU) for the 2026 season, Mishra has claimed the coveted No. 1 spot, consolidating his status as the country’s premier amateur talent.
Mishra, a product of Roundglass Golf Academy, secured his No. 1 position on the back of victory at the IGU Northern India Amateur Golf Championship in March 2026.
Playing at the challenging Panchkula Golf Club, he carded a final round of 69 to win the tournament with a total score of 6-under 282.
In 2025, Mishra finished ranked third overall on the IGU list. He also demonstrated his form by taking the top spot in the stroke play qualifying rounds of the IGU 124th Amateur Championship of India in December. (PTI)
Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman shows signs of Improving relations with India
By Satyaki Chakraborty
At long last, there are clear signs that India-Bangladesh bilateral relations are set to be normalised under the new Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman who took power only two months ago following the historic national elections held on February 12 this year. Tarique Rahman has just initiated his steps to improve bilateral relations with the neighbouring countries, the most important being India and China. It is therefore very crucial for Indian diplomacy to move fast in bettering relations with Bangladesh which faced serious deterioration during the regime of the interim government headed by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
It is a welcome development that New Delhi has announced the nomination of a new envoy to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi. Dinesh, an active politician was a railway minister at the centre. He is a Guajarati, speaks Bengali fluently as his family was based in Kolkata. More importantly, he is close to the PM and is in a position to make his personal contribution in settling issues. Under Dinesh, Indian High Commission in Dhaka can function in a more open and cordial atmosphere.
This announcement was preceded by the first visit of the foreign minister of the new BNP government Khalilur Rahman to Delhi to have formal discussions with the Indian officials and the foreign minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The talks were cordial excepting the issue of Bangladesh government demand for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who has been staying in India since her ousting on August 5, 2024 by the student agitators. The Bangladesh officials however took note of the change in stance of New Delhi in stating that the issue was under review.
The extradition issue is delicate for India at this stage. It has legal implications, Bangladesh knows that. It may take time but in the interests of both countries, this issue alone should not be a dragon the path of betterment of bilateral relations between the two countries in other areas, especially in the sphere of economic collaboration. But at the same time, India will have to take every step to see that this extradition issue can be sorted out amicably.
Latest indications from Dhaka suggest that Bangladesh is not in a hurry to get immediate results from Delhi since the issue is sensitive for India. Although still non-committal, the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said on April 17, the request was being “examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes”.
Bangladesh had previously raised the issue at several bilateral meetings and requested for Hasina’s extradition. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman reportedly discussed it with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar during his recent visit to Delhi. Given the sensitivity of the matter, there are reasons to believe that this delicate issue has to be settled at the highest political level not just through legal course since that is very complicated.
While there is an extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India, the legal process that Jaiswal mentioned also relates to India’s Extradition Act of 1962. “The legal steps would have to adhere to this law,” according to legal experts on extradition. Bangladesh PM is committed to the demand of the BNP manifesto on extradition. So, Tarique has to pursue this issue with the Indian PM. Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh PM to visit India. Tarique has agreed to that. It will be in best interests of both countries to see that a way was found out to proceed with the extradition issue.
A high level BNP delegation has just returned to Dhaka from a weeklong visit to China at the invitation of Chinese government. China is also making efforts to see that Tarique accepts to make China his first destination for a foreign visit. India should carry out back channel talks to see that Bangladesh PM chooses Delhi first. So far Tarique has indicate to follow a foreign policy which serves his country’s interest. No tilt has been shown regarding China or Pakistan as against India. PM Narendra Modi and the foreign ministry must explore all the ways to ensure that Bangladesh feels again comfortable in the company of India. (IPA )
ACB Files Charge-Sheet Against Former PWD Employee In Rs 4,000 Bribery Trap Case
Srinagar, Apr 27: Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau on Monday said it has filed a charge-sheet against a former Computer Operator of PWD (R&B) Circle Ganderbal in a bribery case involving Rs 4,000.
Officials said the case has been listed before the Additional Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Srinagar, with the next hearing scheduled for June 10.
In a statement, a spokesperson said the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau presented Charge-sheet in case FIR No. 07/2022 registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 at Police Station ACB Srinagar Kashmir against accused public servant Rafiq Ahmad Sheikh, the then Computer Operator PWD (R&B) Circle Ganderbal, in a bribery case before the Additional Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Srinagar.
He said the FIR was registered on 02-03-2022 on a written complaint alleging therein that aforesaid accused demanded Rs 4,000/- as bribe for issuance of contractor card D-Class. A trap was laid down and the accused was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 4000/- as bribe from the complainant.
“The bribe money was recovered on the spot, and chemical tests later confirmed the presence of phenolphthalein on the accused’s hands.”
The spokesperson said, based on the facts and circumstances together with cogent evidence brought on record, the investigation established the commission of offence u/s 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against the accused public servant namely Rafiq Ahmad Sheikh, the then Computer Operator in PWD R&B Circle Ganderbal S/O Mohammad Shafi Sheikh R/O Bamloora Ganderbal.
He said after completing investigative/departmental formalities, the charge-sheet was presented before the Hon’ble Court of Additional Special Anti-Corruption Judge Srinagar, today on 27-04-2026 for judicial determination. The next date of hearing has been fixed on 10-06-2026. (KNO)
SSP Anantnag Suspends Investigating Officer In Medical Staff Assault Case
Anantnag, Apr 27: Anantnag Police on Monday suspended an Investigating Officer (IO) of Police Station Anantnag for failing to adhere to mandatory procedures during the investigation into the vandalization of Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag last week, police said.
“SSP Anantnag takes strict action after the Investigating Officer (IO) fails to follow mandatory arrest procedure in FIR 118/2026. Anantnag police is committed to due process,” Anantnag Police tweeted.
A case related to vandalization and assault on medical staff was registered at Police Station Anantnag under FIR No. 118/2026, police said.
During the investigation, four persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in the vandalization of the hospital following the death of a woman in a suspected case of medical negligence.
They were later released on bail due to lack of evidence, officials said.
The woman, a resident of Srigufwara village in Bijbehara, had suffered cardiac arrest. She, was resuscitated immediately after arriving at the hospital but later died, doctors said.
Following the incident, agitated attendants allegedly ransacked the hospital and assaulted doctors, officials said. The doctors later protested, terming the incident “sheer hooliganism,” and demanded strict action against those responsible.
The Investigating officer (IO) failed to fulfil mandatory requirements related to arrest procedures while detaining the accused, an official said.
Taking serious note of the lapse, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure placed the officer under suspension, officials said.
Anantnag Police reiterated its commitment to upholding due process of law and ensuring accountability in all investigations, police said.
DM Jammu Constitutes Panchayat, Municipal Ward-Level Nasha Nigrani Samitis
JAMMU, Apr 27: The District Magistrate (DM) Jammu, Dr Rakesh Minhas, has constituted Panchayat and Municipal Ward-level Nasha Nigrani Samitis to fight the menace of drug abuse in the district.
14 Patwaris Transferred in Jammu District
JAMMU, Apr 27: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jammu, Dr Rakesh Minhas, has ordered the transfer and posting of 14 Patwaris in the interest of the administraton.
