Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: MLA Bahu, Choudhary Vikram Randhawa today inaugurated the upgradation works of lanes and drains at Ravidas Mohalla, Ward number 45, Digiana area.
District Vice President BJP Narinder Koki, Mandal President Sahil Mahajan, along with officials of JMC, including the concerned JE, contractor and local residents attended the inauguration ceremony.
A statement said the works were taken up following repeated demands from the people of the area over the poor condition of lanes and drains, which caused inconvenience, particularly during rainy days.
Speaking on the occasion, the MLA Bahu, Choudhary Vikram Randhawa said development of basic infrastructure and resolution of public issues remain his priority and no area of the constituency would be neglected in terms of civic amenities.
Local residents appreciated the MLA for fulfilling their long-pending demand and thanked him for taking up the upgradation works on priority basis.
Randhawa inaugurates lane, drain upgradation works at Digiana
JPDCL team inspects power infra Kalakote-Sunderbani area, listens public grievances
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: Managing Director Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), G. P. Singh accompanied by MLA Randhir Singh, visited various areas of Kalakote-Sunderbani Constituency to assess the power infrastructure and address the grievances of the public.
The delegation started the visit from village Langer where the locals projected their demands, seeking replacement of old and damaged electric poles. The Managing Director assured the locals that their genuine issues would be resolved on priority and directed the concerned Executive Engineer to look into the matter immediately.
The delegation also visited several other areas including Hatkah, Devak, Khabbar and Marcholla where the residents raised the issue of poor voltage in the area, seeking improvement and strengthening of the 11 KV network.
The locals further highlighted the issue of tree branches touching power lines, resulting in frequent faults and disruptions. The Managing Director directed the concerned Executive Engineer to take up the matter with the Forest Department for necessary branch cutting and clearance along the power lines to ensure reliable power supply.
The Managing Director also inspected the under-construction Receiving Station’s 3.15 MVA, 33/11 KV at Thriyath and at Kamil Gala (kalakote) and reviewed the progress of works on spot. Further, the 3.15 MVA Receiving Station at Sail Su was also visited where the Executive Engineer, STD, briefed that the station is presently overloaded due to increasing demand in the area. The Managing Director directed the concerned officers to examine the issue thoroughly and take appropriate measures for augmentation and strengthening of the power infrastructure to ensure reliable electricity supply to the consumers.
Power shutdown
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL Jammu has informed that the power supply to Jarai, Kathua-IV, Kathua-V, Dhanna, Thain, Bhagthali Industry, Marheen, Sanjhimorh, Andhe-Chak, Haripur, Gair, Hariachak, Kotepunnu, Krandi, Rajbagh, Paharpur, Rajpura, Sanura, Lala Chack, Nadala, Manguchak, Badyal, Sherpur, Katal Gujarian, Chak Sada Londi and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 10 from 7 am to 2 pm.
Similarly, the power supply to Gool, Sangaldan, Gundi Dharam, Banihal, Ramsoo, Ukhral, Khari, Assar, Baggar, Siraj and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 10 from 8 am to 2 pm.
Likewise, the power supply to Changran, Housing Colony, Krishna Colony, Indra Nagar, Jawahar Nagar and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 10 from 7 am to 11 am.
Similarly, the power supply to Budhi, Nanan, Barnoti, Channi, Marheen, Pharpur, Rajbagh, Chandwan, Haria Chack, Industries and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 10 from 6 am to 10 am.
Likewise, the power supply to DC Office, Supwal, Rakh Industry, Dagore, Tanda and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 10 from 9.30 am to 10 am.
Similarly, the power supply to Jagti Local, Migrant Camp, IIT, IIM, Nagrota, Nadore, Sainik Colony, Kattal Battal, Dhoke Wazrin, Chibba, Bamyal and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 10 from 7 am to 1 pm.
Likewise, the power supply to Jakh, Jogpur, Sarore, Patli, Industry, Vijaypur Town, Kolpur, Bandral and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 11 from 7 am to 12 noon.
Similarly, the power supply to Ward No. 4, 5, 8 ,9, 10, 11 & 12, Taraf Sanji, Jarai, Bhagthali, Bhagthali Industry, PHE Installations, Paliwand, Basantpur, RTIC, MES Lakhanpur and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 11 from 6 am to 11 am.
Meanwhile, Superintending Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL O&M Circle Kathua has informed that the power supply to Dadwara, Bhaddu, Pathyal, Phintar, Manger, PHE and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 10, 12 and 13 from 7 am to 1 pm.
Similarly, the power supply to Rajpura, Lala Chack, BSF-2nd and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 11 from 7 am to 11 am.
Likewise, the power supply to Old Vijaypur, Vijaypur Industry and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 10 from 7 am to 11 am.
Similarly, the power supply to Baba Sidhgoriya and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 11 from 7 am to 1 pm.
Likewise, the power supply to Industry and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 10 and 12 from 7 am to 1 pm.
4 drug peddlers held
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 9: Police today arrested four alleged drug peddlers and recovered psychotropic substances from them in separate operations conducted in Anantnag, Budgam and Handwara districts under the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan.
In Anantnag district, cops from Police Station Larnoo intercepted a suspicious person during routine patrolling at Khrety area of Larnoo.
During a personal search, Police recovered six sticks of charas-like substance, weighing approximately 96 grams, from him.
The accused was identified as Gh Nabi Raina, son of Gh Rasool Raina, a resident of Frimoo Gadol, Ahlan Kokernag. The contraband was seized on the spot following legal procedure.
Meanwhile, in Budgam district, police arrested two alleged drug peddlers and recovered a commercial quantity of contraband substance during naka checking at Rawalpora in Khansahib area.
Police said cops from Police Post Waterihal intercepted Nazir Ahmad Ganie, son of Abdul Rehman Ganie, a resident of Rakhayee Arizal. During his search, 27 grams of charas-like substance was recovered.
The investigation established the involvement of another accused, identified as Mohd Rafiq Khan, son of Abdul Rehman Khan, a resident of Arizal.
Subsequently, approximately 7 kilograms and 740 grams of charas-like substance were recovered from his possession, police said.
Both accused were arrested and investigation is underway to identify other persons linked to the narcotics network.
In yet another operation in Handwara, Police apprehended a suspected drug peddler during a high-alert naka operation at Gund Khuru area falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Handwara.
Police said a team from Police Post Langate noticed a suspicious individual attempting to flee after spotting the naka party. The suspect was chased and apprehended by cops.
During the search, cops recovered Spasmo-Proxyvon Plus capsules from him.
The accused was identified as Sahil Manzoor Dar, son of Manzoor Ahmad Dar, a resident of Maratgam Handwara.
Police said all the accused persons have been arrested and cases under relevant sections of law were registered at the respective Police Stations. Further investigation was underway.
Crackdown against poppy cultivation intensified
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 9: Police today intensified its crackdown against narcotics and illegal cultivation by destroying illicitly cultivated opium poppy crops in separate operations conducted in Anantnag and Budgam districts.
Police said four cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered during the operations.
In Anantnag district, Police Station Dooru received specific information that Bashir Ahmad Beigh, son of late Ghulam Ahmad Beigh, a resident of Chaango Dooru, had illegally cultivated poppy on his land.
Acting on the information, cops accompanied by an Executive Magistrate and officials from the Agriculture Department raided the site, where the illegally cultivated poppy crop was identified and destroyed on the spot.
In this regard, FIR No. 66/2026 under Sections 8 and 18 of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Dooru, and investigation started.
In another operation, Police Station Aishmuqam received information regarding illegal cultivation of opium poppy by Mohd Ashraf Ahanger, son of Abdul Rehman Ahanger, a resident of Badaran.
Following the tip-off, cops along with an Executive Magistrate and officials from the Excise and Agriculture Departments conducted a raid at the location and destroyed the illicit crop after verification.
Police said FIR No. 40/2026 under Sections 8 and 18 of the NDPS Act was registered in the case, while further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, in Budgam district, Police Station Budgam destroyed illegal poppy cultivation found on agricultural land belonging to Ashiq Ahmad Darzi at Dangerpora. FIR No. 113/2026 under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act was registered in the matter.
Similarly, Police Station Khansahib registered FIR No. 89/2026 under Section 8/18 of the NDPS Act following information about illegal poppy cultivation at Banderpora Khansahib.
During investigation, a joint team comprising cops, Executive Magistrate, Revenue and Excise officials destroyed the illicit crop on the spot after completing legal formalities.
Police to auction vehicle used for drug trafficking
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 9: Police in Anantnag today ordered the auction of a vehicle used in the commission of narcotics offences, marking the first such initiative in Jammu and Kashmir under the provisions of the NDPS Act.
A Police spokesman said that the SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure issued the order for auction of the vehicle bearing registration No. DL8CR0936, which was seized in connection with a narcotics case.
“The vehicle has been ordered for disposal after obtaining necessary legal sanction from the Court under Section 52-A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act,” the spokesman added.
Bhawani Nagar Welfare Committee discusses issues
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: A meeting of Welfare Committee Bhawani Nagar, Janipur was held here today under the chairmanship of Behari Lal Sharma.
Speakers in the meeting discussed the issues of Bhawani Nagar and its adjoining localities. They said that Environmental cum Wildlife Awareness Park at Bhawani Nagar has been left unattended for years because of which the infrastructure of the Park has suffered massive damage in the absence of proper maintenance.
The issue of Nallah along the Park which was damaged in the floods of August 2025 was also taken up and the members expressed concern that if the Nallah is not repaired soon, it may then damage some houses in the locality.
Speakers in the meeting urged the Jammu Municipal Corporation authorities to renovate and maintain the Park in collaboration with the Forest Department.
They also demanded a proper parking facility in the area.
The meeting was attended by Ashok Sen, O.P Sharma, Kamal Kachroo, Nagar Mal, Daleep Aryan and Krishan Manhas.
11 injured in collision of three vehicles
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, May 9: Eleven persons, including 10 school students, were injured in a road accident involving three vehicles near Kalakote town in Rajouri district today.
Reports said the mishap occurred when a private school bus carrying students home after school hours collided with a passenger bus coming from the opposite direction near Kalakote. A tempo traveller following behind also got involved in the collision.
The injured included students travelling in the school bus and one woman passenger. Soon after the accident, local residents and police personnel launched rescue operations and shifted the injured to Community Health Centre (CHC) Kalakote for treatment.
Two seriously injured students were later referred to Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital Rajouri for specialized treatment. Doctors at GMC said their condition was stable.
The accident caused disruption in traffic movement for some time. Police have registered a case and started investigation into the incident.
Preliminary reports suggest overspeeding and negligence as possible reasons behind the accident, though the exact cause would be known after completion of the probe.
The injured have been identified as Rizwan, Ikra Choudhary, Saifron Sabri, Sakshi, Manvi Gaija, Vani Rajput, Yuvika, Isha Devi, Harman Singh, Yuvraj Singh and Sarita.
Notorious drug peddler detained under PIT NDPS Act
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 9: Police here today claimed to have detained a notorious drug peddler under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act.
The detenue has been identified as Rafiq, a resident of Ward Number 1 near Police Station Chenani and presently residing at Jojrian Talab in Udhampur district.
Officials said acting on a detention warrant issued under the PIT NDPS Act, police executed the warrant following all legal formalities and subsequently lodged the accused in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu.
They said the action is part of its sustained drive against drug peddlers and persons involved in narcotics-related activities in the district.
Man booked for rape on pretext of marriage
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 9: One individual was booked under the relevant sections of the law at Police Station Janipur here today for allegedly raping a woman on the pretext of marriage.
The accused has been identified as Atteshwar Singh, a resident of Talab Tillo, Jammu.
Quoting the complaint, police said the victim, a resident of Janipur area, came in contact with the accused around one year back. They said after some time, the accused allegedly started establishing physical relations with the accused on the pretext of marriage.
However, after he denied marrying the victim, the former was booked on the complaint of the latter under section 64, 318, and 3(5) of the BNS registered at Police Station Janipur.
The accused had not been arrested till the press time.