Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 12: The police seized three vehicles involved in illegal mineral extraction during a crackdown in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district today.
An official spokesperson said the operation was carried out in the Nallah Rambi, where officers seized a JCB machine, a dumper and a tractor suspected to have been used for unauthorised mining activities. “In this connection, a case under FIR No. 59/2026 has been registered under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 3 of the PPD Act, while further investigation has been taken up,” he said.
3 vehicles seized for illegal mining
Randhawa starts road blacktopping work
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: MLA Bahu, Ch. Vikram Randhawa here today started blacktopping work on Belicharana-Raipur Satwari road which will incur an estimated cost of Rs. 90 lakh.
The road was in damaged condition for long causing hardships to the commuters, school children, elders and daily travellers. Considering the matter urgent, the MLA initiated the blacktopping work to ensure smooth, safe and hassle-free movement for people of the area.
Member Cantonment Board Jammu, Bharat Bhushan, Mandal president, Sahil Mahajan along with his team including Narinder Koki, Dalair Singh, Avtar Singh, Ranjeet Singh, Jasmeet Kour Pandey, Susheela, Amrika Kotwal and a large gathering of locals were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the MLA said that strengthening infrastructure and accelerating development works across the Constituency remains his top priority.
He further stated that roads are the backbone of development and improved connectivity plays a vital role in boosting public convenience, transportation and overall growth of the area.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the residents, reflecting strong public support towards the ongoing developmental initiatives in Bahu Constituency.
YBA organises blood donation camp
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: Young Blood Association (YBA), here today, in collaboration with Diva International Foundation (DIF), organised a blood donation camp at Aziziyah Medical Centre in Bathindi.
Senior Journalist, Nishikant Khajuria was chief guest on this occasion while Chairman Citizens Cooperative Bank, Parveen Sharma was special guest and he appreciated the efforts of YBA.
Amardeep Singh, CEO of DIF, underscored the critical importance of voluntary blood donation in sustaining healthcare systems, particularly for emergency interventions, surgeries and the management of chronic conditions.
“We were deeply encouraged by the overwhelming response and spirit of altruism shown by our participants,” said Dr. Abdul Aziz Choudhary, owner of Aziziyah Medical Centre.
The camp was held under the professional care extended by Dr. Narinder Buthiyal, Medical Superintendent of Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. “Every contribution made today represents a lifeline for patients and this collective effort truly highlights the power of community action in enhancing healthcare accessibility,” said Dr. Uttra Sambyal, Incharge Blood Bank.
The camp was organised with the efforts of Dr. Satwant Singh Rissam, YBA president and reflects a shared commitment by Anil Padha, chairman YBA, to humanitarian service and community well-being.
DC Rajouri chairs meeting to finalize District Capex Budget
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Mays 12: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today chaired a meeting to discuss and finalize the District Capex Budget for the financial year 2026-27
The Deputy Commissioner directed all departments and executing agencies to prepare plans strictly in accordance with the needs and priorities of the people. He stressed the importance of identifying projects with visible and meaningful impact on the ground, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure and public service delivery.
Emphasizing timely submission of plan proposals and estimates, the Deputy Commissioner stressed expediting the process for seeking administrative approvals to facilitate timely execution of developmental projects in view of the limited working season in the district.
Reviewing the status of preparation of estimates for proposed works, the Deputy Commissioner called for better coordination among line departments, optimum utilization of resources and proactive planning to facilitate smooth and efficient implementation of developmental projects across the district.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Malikzada Sheraz Ul Haq; ADC Ravi Kumar Sihag; ACD Auqil Nuvaid and CPO Maqsood Ahmed; while ADC Nowshera Pritam Lal Thapa; ADC Kalakote Mohammad Tanvir; ADC Sunderbani Ramkesh Sharma and SDM Thanamandi Abid Hussain Shah participated through virtual mode.
Court grants bail to accused in gang-rape case
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: The court of Special Judge, Fast Track Court, POCSO Cases, Jammu, has granted bail to Vansh Bhatti, an accused in a gang-rape case registered at Police Station Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, after observing that the petitioner had remained in custody since December 23, 2022, and that the co-accused facing similar allegations had already been granted bail.
The bail application was filed in FIR No. 211/2022 involving offences under Sections 363, 376-DA and 109 IPC, along with Sections 5, 6 and 17 of the POCSO Act. The petitioner was represented by Advocate Ayushman Kotwal and associates, while Special Public Prosecutor Anuj Gupta appeared for the UT of J&K.
As per the prosecution story, the minor victim was allegedly taken from Resham Ghar Park, Jammu, on December 20, 2022, in an Innova vehicle and later taken to Manohar Palace at Gajansoo Marh, where she was allegedly administered a sedative and sexually assaulted. The prosecution stated that the victim was just above 12 years of age at the time of the alleged incident.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, arguing that the accused was involved in serious and non-bailable offences and that the presumption under Section 29 of the POCSO Act operated against him. It was also submitted that the victim and other witnesses had supported the prosecution case.
However, the defence argued that the petitioner had been falsely implicated, that there was delay in registration of the FIR, and that the medical evidence did not support the prosecution version. The defence further submitted that out of 23 prosecution witnesses, 18 had already been examined, including the prosecutrix, and therefore continued incarceration of the accused was not justified.
After hearing both sides, the court observed that while evidence cannot be discussed threadbare at the bail stage, the court is required to record reasons while deciding a bail plea. The court noted that the victim was medically examined within about 50 hours of the alleged occurrence, but the medical examination showed no evidence of recent intercourse/ rape.
The court held that this circumstance was relevant for deciding bail, especially when the petitioner had already spent nearly three and a half years in custody.
The court also considered the delay in lodging the FIR. It noted that though the victim was allegedly dropped near her grandmother’s residence on the morning of December 21, 2022, the matter was disclosed and the FIR was registered only on the evening of December 22, 2022.
The court further observed that the cumulative effect of these circumstances weakened the foundation for raising the presumption under Section 29 of the POCSO Act at the bail stage. It also held that Section 29 does not create an absolute bar against grant of bail.
Another important factor considered by the court was that co-accused Sachin Masih, facing largely similar allegations, had already been granted bail. The court held that the principle of parity also supported the petitioner’s plea.
Accordingly, the court allowed the bail application and directed that Vansh Bhatti be released on furnishing bail and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each. The court imposed conditions that the accused shall regularly attend the trial, shall not intimidate prosecution witnesses, and shall not tamper with prosecution evidence.
NMC demands release of DA instalments
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) has urged upon the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to issue a formal order for the release of 2 per cent DA due from the January last.
Addressing NMC workers in a meeting here today, the NMC president, Subash Shastri claimed that the cabinet has approved the release of 2 per cent DA.
He also demanded that the monthly medical allowance in J&K should be enhanced from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000.
The NMC leader further demanded that the Government should regularize all the daily rated workers.
Rajan Babu Khajuria, B.S Jamwal, Surinder Kumar, Ram Singh, Ramesh Sharma, Girdhari Lal Bhagat, Dalip Bhagat, Sawarn Bhagat, Shail Singh, Darshan Baba, Ch. Shafeek, Subash Sharma, Baldev Raj, Ghara Ram, Vinod Kumar, Jog Raj and others were also present in the meeting.
Shazad demands transparency in bunkers’ construction
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, May 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JK-BADC), a registered organisation working for the welfare of border residents of J&K, has raised serious concern over the lack of information available to the public regarding bunkers’ construction in Poonch district.
Dr Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman of the BADC and former Vice Chancellor, said that as per statements of Union Ministers and information available in the media, the Government of India has sanctioned and released millions of rupees to the J&K Government for bunkers’ construction in border areas.
The Centre’s intention and commitment toward border residents is clear. However, he expressed concern that the J&K Government and local administration have been slow in moving things forward and have shared very little with the people about where the project actually stands today.
He said the people living in these areas have a right to know how many bunkers are fully complete, how many are still under construction and how many yet to begin. This is not information that residents should have to chase or ask for repeatedly. The district administration must issue a monthly status report on bunker construction so that there is accountability and people feel assured that work is genuinely moving forward.
Dr Malik appealed to the administration to treat bunkers’ construction as a matter directly linked to human lives and not just another entry in a government project list. The monthly data regarding funds spent on these construction of bunkers must be put on official website of district Poonch, he added.
Shaheen demands ban on liquor sale in J&K
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: Janta Dal United (JDU) president, G.M Shaheen today urged the administration to take immediate steps to regulate the liquor sale in accordance with sentiments, culture and traditions of the people of J&K.
Talking to reporters, Shaheen said that uncontrolled and open sale of liquor in J&K has become a matter of serious concern for the society particularly for families, parents, religious organisations and the youth.
He said if the Government is interested in promoting tourism and facilitating visitors from different parts of the country and abroad, then liquor may remain available only in the registered hotels and tourist accommodations where tourists stay but the government should impose a complete ban on the sale of liquor in other places across J&K.
Old Janipur Civil Society discusses issues
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: A meeting of Old Janipur Civil Society Action Committee was held here today under the chairmanship of Kulwant Singh Sambyal.
The Committee members in the meeting discussed the issues like de-silting and repair of Nallahs in Indira Colony, Ward 34, 35, 36, Excelsior Lane, Shant Nagar and surrounding areas.
They also demanded covering of the Nallah at bread factory road in Mohalla Pandoka Colony before the rainy season.
Other demands raised were installation of flood lights, construction of bathrooms and beautification of the High Court Chowk. Security measures were demanded at Ram Vihar Mohalla and surrounding areas of JDA Park.
The civil society members demanded installation of four big CCTV cameras connected with the Police Station.
They said that JDA Park in the area has been ignored and it needs repair and renovation and construction of two halls for senior citizens. The issue of repair of non-functional street lights, lanes and drains and blacktopping of roads was also raised in the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Vidya Bhushan, J.S Baloria, R.L Bhat, Rajat Sambyal, Harbhajan Singh, Charan Dass, Sat Pal, Rattan Sharma, Vinod Kohli, Yash Pal, Ramesh Kumar, Raghubir Pandit, Hari Krishan, Sunil Kumar, Sham Sunder, Vinod Kumar, Pritam Singh, Girdhari Sharma, Darshan Sharma, Gurnam Kour, Madan Pandit, Sunny Kumar, Shan Gupta and others.
Raina conferred with award at Vasant Utsav celebrations
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: Pushkar Nath Raina, Kashmiri cultural revivalist was conferred with prestigious award during the celebration of Vasant Utsav jointly organized by ‘Saraswathi Educational Cultural and Educational Trust and Shri Kapleeshwar Temple Mylapore Chennai from May 1 to May 10.
The award was presented to him by the chief guest, Justice (retd) C. Nagapan, Former Judge of Supreme Court of India on May 10, 2026.
He was invited by organisers for the inauguration of Vasant Utsav 2026, Festival of Dance, as guest of honour, along with other prestigious dignitaries, Dr C K Gariyali former IAS Officer.
He was presented the prestigious award for reviving the traditional `Henzay’ a Vedic hyms of Kashmir sung during the Hindu marriages from times immemorial.