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ACB books Tehsildar Maeen Kakroo in bribery case

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Srinagar, Feb 7, KNT: The Anti Corruption Bureau Srinagar has registered a case against Maeen Azhar Kakroo, the then Tehsildar South Srinagar, for allegedly abusing his official position by demanding and accepting illegal gratification in connection with land restoration and demarcation.

According to officials, FIR No. 03 of 2026 has been registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The case originated from a verification conducted by the bureau following a complaint related to illegal encroachment issues and alleged bribery during land restoration and demarcation carried out in the year 2021.

During verification, it was found that land measuring 4 Kanals 9 Marlas and 165 square feet, including Survey No. 998/54, was recorded in the names of several individuals, including the complainant. The verification revealed that the accused public servant allegedly demanded illegal gratification for facilitating the restoration of 14 Marlas of land located at Gulbahar Colony, Hyderpora, Sector 14, Srinagar.

Officials said it further emerged that a second-hand Mahindra Rexton 4×4 vehicle bearing registration number MH03CP-5000 was allegedly accepted as illegal gratification. Payments for the vehicle were reportedly made by the complainant through banking transactions from his Paytm account linked with J and K Bank Batamaloo.

The verification also revealed that after the restoration, the said land was sold by the complainant in January 2022 to a private purchaser and is presently under her possession.

The ACB said that by allegedly demanding and accepting illegal gratification other than legal remuneration in connection with an official act, the accused abused his official position, attracting provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Following registration of the FIR, searches were conducted after obtaining warrants from the competent court at two locations, including the residential house at Kanil Bagh, Azad Road, Baramulla, and another residential house at Rose Avenue Colony, Gazalla Abad, HMT Srinagar. During the searches, incriminating material including revenue records and financial and banking documents were recovered and seized as evidence.

Notably, the accused was appointed on compassionate grounds during the tenure of former PDP leader and Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed after his father, who was serving as PDP Block President, was killed by unidentified gunmen. The accused was presently posted at Tehsildar Khansahab and was also holding additional charge of Khag Budgam. Further investigation in the case is underway. [KNT]

CM Omar Abdullah presents his second budget as Finance Minister

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charting our path towards a brighter horizon. It lays strong foundations for enduring economic growth, social harmony, and sustainable prosperity. As we embark on this shared journey, I invite every Hon’ble Member of this august House to come together and work collectively to build a strong and flourishing Jammu and Kashmir.”

Addressing the House, the Chief Minister, who also holds Finance portfolio, said that beyond sector-wise allocations, the Budget carries a set of focused measures that will directly touch the lives of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable sections. “These initiatives reflect our commitment to social justice, targeted welfare and long-term empowerment,” he said.

Budget Estimates and Fiscal framework

 

The Chief Minister informed that total gross receipts for 2026–27 are estimated at ₹1,27,767 crore, with net budget estimates at ₹1,13,767 crore excluding Ways &Means Advances and overdraft provisions.

 

Own revenues are estimated at ₹31,800 crore, while central assistance is projected at ₹42,752 crore, and CSS inflows at ₹13,400 crore.

 

GSDP for 2026–27 has been projected at ₹3,15,822 crore, reflecting 9.5% growth.

 

Boost to handicrafts, trade promotion and Unity mall

 

To strengthen the livelihood of artisans and promote Jammu and Kashmir’s globally renowned crafts, the Chief Minister announced enhanced budgetary support to the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO). Regular Buyer–Seller Meets will be organised to create direct market linkages between local artisans and national and international buyers, improving branding, market access and income opportunities.

 

The Chief Minister also informed the House that financial support of up to ₹200 crore has been received for construction of the Unity Mall, envisioned as a permanent Crafts Bazaar and platform for local products, handicrafts, handlooms and traditional enterprises from across the country.

 

CM announced that J&K has been brought under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme by central government which offers 50 year interest free loan for taking up infrastructure projects saying that additional Rs 1431 crore has been provided under the untied component for disaster mitigation and restoration works. Under the third component of the (SASCI), Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated ₹210 crore, which will be leveraged to provide the UT’s share for eligible Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

(traditional and high-density), Saffron, Mango and Litchi, with total sum insured of ₹6,594.93 crore.

 

CM said that Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) scheme has ushered diversification of agri-economy and the scheme shall continue to boost agriculture. CM said that cultivated area had gone up from 12.71 lakh Ha to 13.50 lakh Ha while urging people to benefit from HADP &High Density Plantation schemes.

 

He also highlighted expansion of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage infrastructure. Currently, 68 CA stores with capacity of 2.92 LMT are operational against the requirement of 6.00 LMT. Additional CA capacity of 15,000 MT is being added in 2025–26, while 38,000 MT is targeted in 2026–27.

To ensure balanced regional dispersal, top-up subsidy for CA storage will focus on districts other than Pulwama and Shopian. The Government plans establishment of 40 CA stores with investment of ₹1,400 crore, including subsidy support of ₹600 crore from 2026–27.

The Chief Minister also announced 25% top-up subsidy for micro and sprinkle irrigation, earmarking ₹116.86 crore, benefiting farmers across 3 lakh hectares and enhancing water use efficiency by 60–80%.

 

An Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Mission with an outlay of ₹150 crore was announced, with ₹10 crore allocated in the next financial year.

 

Strengthening livestock sector through genetic improvement

 

To preserve high genetic breeds in livestock, the Chief Minister announced establishment of one Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) Lab in every district with phased investment of ₹65 crore, following import of Dorper and Texel sheep from Australia and bulls from the USA.

 

Rural development and ODF-plus sustainability

 

The Chief Minister proposed strengthening rural sanitation and livelihoods through convergence of Central schemes, with special focus on achieving ODF-Plus status across rural J&K.

 

From 2026–27 onwards, District Capex funds will be leveraged for professional operation and maintenance of rural sanitation infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and improved public health outcomes.

 

Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra infrastructure modernisation

Reaffirming commitment to pilgrim safety, the Chief Minister said over 200 infrastructure works were completed during 2025–26 for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. He proposed further modernisation with an outlay of ₹180 crore in 2026–27 in partnership with the Border Roads Organisation to improve connectivity, emergency response and logistical support.

Government Medical Colleges over the next two years.

 

PET scans shall be installed at GMC Srinagar and GMC Kathua.

 

Cardiology services will be expanded with Cath Labs at GMC Rajouri, Baramulla and Doda, with an outlay of ₹30 crore.

Recognising rising cancer incidence, the Government will roll out a Cancer Control Strategy in collaboration with NITI Aayog and ICMR, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, improved treatment, and a population-based cancer registry.

destinations in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. He said despite the debacle due to the Baisaran incident which affected tourism, about 1.61 crore tourist visits were recorded during the current year. He said that Government is working on protecting the fragile eco-system at tourist destinations by investing in construction of Sewage Treatment Plants and solid waste management.

He said that an International Film Festival is being planned to be held shortly.

CM also spoke about the success of Mission YUVA, a flagship initiative to promote entrepreneurship and generate employment among the educated youth saying that 7000 persons had been onboarded on the App with 55000 DPRs prepared, 16000 applications sanctioned, 8000 budding entrepreneurs trained announcing that the Government is well poised to scale up this scheme to benefit youth and women.

 

Regarding the issue of regularization of Daily Rated Workers, CM said that the recommendations of the High Level Committee constituted shall be implemented to find a just and humane solution for their structured and phase wise regularization within the framework of law and fiscal responsibility.

Chief Minister also presented the supplementary statement of expenditure for the year 2025-26 before the House.

DC Srinagar reviews progress of Mission Yuva scheme in the district

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SRINAGAR FEBRUARY 06: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Friday reviewed the department-wise and bank-wise progress of Mission Yuva scheme in the district in a meeting held at the meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner assessed the performance of line departments and banks operating in the district in facilitating and supporting aspiring young entrepreneurs under the Mission Yuva initiative, aimed to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship among youth.

The DC emphasized the need for proactive handholding, timely facilitation and coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to ensure that aspiring entrepreneurs receive necessary guidance, credit support and institutional backing. He stressed that departments and banks must work in close coordination to expedite case processing.

The DC directed underperforming bank branches to improve performance and clear pendency at their level to ensure effective and timely implementation of Mission YUVA scheme. He further underlined the importance of seamless coordination among all stakeholder departments to ensure successful implementation of the Mission YUVA initiative across the district.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Rifat Aftab; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz; Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar; SDM, West, Irfan Bahadur; SDM East, Zubair Ahmad; Deputy Director Employment, Shubi Tabasum; Zonal Head Jammu and Kashmir Bank, LDM(Banks), Nelofer Jan, Officers of all line Departments and senior Officers of J&K Bank.

ACB Traps ASI of JK Police for Accepting Bribe of ₹5,000

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Jammu: The Anti-Corruption Bureau Jammu on Friday trapped and arrested an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) of the Police Department in district Jammu for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹5,000.

According to an official statement, the ACB registered FIR No. 02/2026 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Mohinder Lal, who was posted at Police Station Khour.

The accused public servant allegedly demanded illegal gratification from the complainant for taking action against the husband of the complainant’s cousin sister, who was reportedly being regularly harassed and assaulted by her husband. Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau seeking legal action.

Following receipt of the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, which corroborated the demand of bribe by the accused official. Subsequently, a formal case was registered at Police Station ACB Jammu and investigation was initiated.

During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted. The team laid a successful trap and caught the accused red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses. The accused was arrested on the spot after following due process of law, and the bribe money was recovered from his possession.

Additionally, a search was conducted at the official residence of the accused located within the premises of Police Station Khour in the presence of a Magistrate.

Further investigation into the case is ongoing, officials said. (KDC)

Srinagar Police Arrests Three Notorious Drug Peddlers; Heroin Recovered From Their Possession

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Srinagar, Feb 5:Srinagar Police have arrested three notorious drug peddlers belonging to the same family in the jurisdiction of Police Station Khanyar.

The arrested individuals have been identified as:

Gulzar Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Rehman Mir

Muskan Gulzar Mir, daughter of Gulzar Ahmad Mir

.Ubaid Gulzar, son of Gulzar Ahmad Mir

All the accused are residents of Baghi Roop Singh, Miskeen Bagh, Khanyar.

 

Acting on specific information, a Police team of Police Station Khanyar intercepted a Scorpio vehicle bearing registration number JK01 AW 8898.

During search, substantial quantity of heroin, a banned narcotic substance worth lakhs of Rupees, was recovered from their possession.

The vehicle used in the commission of the offence has also been seized.

 

Preliminary investigation reveals that the accused were actively involved in supplying narcotic drugs in Srinagar and had generated substantial illegal proceeds through drug trafficking.

The seized vehicle was reportedly purchased from the proceeds of this illicit trade.

 

Accordingly, FIR No. 08/2026 under Sections 8/21–29 of the NDPS ( Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances ) Act has been registered at Police Station Khanyar.

 

Further investigation is underway to trace both forward and backward linkages of the drug network. A comprehensive financial investigation is ongoing to identify and attach properties acquired through the illegal proceeds of crime.

Srinagar Police reiterate their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and urge the public to cooperate by sharing information related to narcotics.

Hajj-2026 DC Srinagar kick starts vaccination programme for Hajj pilgrims at Haj House Bemina

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SRINAGAR FEB 4:In connection with Hajj-2026, Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Thursday kick started 3 days immunization/vaccination programme for Hajj pilgrims of Srinagar District here at Bait-ul-Hujaj (Haj House), Bemina.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer, J&K Hajj House, Dr Shujat, SDM West, Irfan Bahadur, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tahir Sajad, Tehsildar Shalteng, Rayees Ahmad, Zonal Medical Officer Batamaloo, Dr Sameena, District Immunization Officer and other officers of Haj House were present on the occasion.

During the visit, the DC took stock of the vaccination process and inspected the arrangements put in place to facilitate the pilgrims of district and to ensure smooth vaccination of pilgrims.

While interacting with the Hajj Pilgrims, the DC greeted them for Holy pilgrimage of Hajj-2026.

On the occasion, the DC said that the vaccination is aimed to protect the Hajj pilgrims from various infections, ensure their health and safety, and protect them from any contagious diseases. He emphasized on ensuring seamless conduct of the vaccination process.

The DC was informed that the vaccinations process is scheduled for 3 days from Wednesday during which vaccine for Meningococcal Meningitis, Poliomyelitis and Seasonal Influenza (SIV) are being administered to the Hajj-2026 Pilgrims for which special counters have been setup for smooth conduct.

The CEO, J&K Hajj House, briefed the DC that a total of 1173 pilgrims from Srinagar district shall be taking their pilgrimage for Hajj-2026 and are being vaccinated at Bait-ul-Hujaj (Haj House), Bemina.

Budgam Police solve gold theft case, recover property worth Rs 11 lakh, Five arrested

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Budgam, Feb 5, : Budgam Police on Wednesday said it has solved a major gold theft case with the arrest of five accused persons and recovery of stolen property worth about Rs 11 lakh, along with cash amounting to Rs 83,000.

 

Police said the case came to light after Police Station Budgam received a written complaint from Mohammad Yousuf Najar of Lakhripora, Budgam, stating that unknown persons had forcibly entered his house during the intervening night of January 16 and 17, 2026, and decamped with gold ornaments and cash.

 

Following the complaint, FIR No. 12 of 2026 was registered under relevant sections of law and investigation was initiated immediately.

 

During the course of investigation, a police team led by the Station House Officer, Police Station Budgam, used human intelligence and analysed CCTV footage from multiple locations, which led to the identification and arrest of five persons involved in the crime.

 

The arrested accused have been identified as Umar Farooq Dar of Wasikhunrakhi Asham, Sumbal; Imtiyaz Ahmad Guroo of Parimpora, Srinagar; Basit Bashir of Pehlipora, Safapora, Ganderbal; Bilal Ahmad Dar of Safapora, Lar, Ganderbal; and Bilal Ahmad Guroo of Wangipora, Sumbal.

 

Police said all the accused are currently in police custody. During recoveries, stolen gold ornaments worth approximately Rs 11 lakh and cash amounting to Rs 83,000 were recovered. Two vehicles used in the commission of the crime were also seized.

 

The investigation further revealed the involvement of three goldsmiths in the disposal of the stolen property. Police said the goldsmiths have been identified and booked under relevant provisions of law.

Further investigation in the case is underway to ascertain additional links and recoveries, police added.

Joint frisking drive carried out in Rajbagh and adjoining areas

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Srinagar, Feb 6, KNT: Srinagar Police, along with personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force and Sashastra Seema Bal, on Thursday carried out a joint frisking and checking drive in Rajbagh and its adjoining areas as part of heightened security measures.

 

Officials said the operation covered key locations including bridges, public parks and surrounding localities, where security personnel conducted frisking of pedestrians and spot checks of commuters. Movement at sensitive points was closely monitored during the exercise.

 

Police sources said the drive was aimed at strengthening area domination and maintaining a secure environment in the city. Identity verification and random checks were carried out to ensure compliance with security protocols.

 

The joint teams maintained a visible presence in the area, with additional deployments at strategic locations to deter any unlawful activity. Officials said such measures are part of routine security arrangements, especially in view of prevailing security considerations.

Locals were advised to cooperate with security personnel during checking and follow instructions issued on the ground. Authorities said similar frisking and checking drives may continue in other parts of Srinagar in the coming days. [KNT]

Div Com reviews progress on Traffic Streamlining in Srinagar

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SRINAGAR, FEB 3: As part of continued efforts to streamline traffic movement in Srinagar city, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Multi-Disciplinary Committee on Traffic Management System for Srinagar City.

 

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Vice Chairpersons of LCMA and SDA, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, SSp Traffic, Joint Commissioner SMC, and senior officers from R&B and SSCL.

 

During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed the SSCL to prepare DPR for the development of a rotary at Exchange Junction. SSCL was also directed to start traffic on the trail basis over realigned takeoff corridor towards airport flyover.

 

He also reviewed the induction and management of one-way traffic on various routes and stressed effective implementation for smoother traffic flow.

 

Regarding development of parking at several locations, he instructed Deputy Commissioner Srinagar to develop surface parking facilities at the Children’s Hospital and JVC, while the Vice Chairperson LCMA was directed to develop parking facilities at Chattabal.

 

To augment parking space at Jahangir Chowk, he directed Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to relocate kiosks.

 

The Divisional Commissioner also directed that work on e-bus charging stations at Batamaloo be commenced from February 15.

 

It was informed that Zoonimar charging station shall be functional by February 15.

 

Regarding the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), the meeting was informed that all 800 traffic cameras are functioning smoothly. In view of the proposed installation of traffic lights at Bemina and Nowgam Flyovers, concerned agency was instructed to take up the work on priority. However, the meeting decided to explore the feasibility of constructing a rotary at Sanatnagar Flyover to streamline the Traffic System.

 

The Divisional Commissioner further directed SMC to install ‘No Honking Zone’ signage at identified locations across the city. He also instructed the concerned authorities to close vulnerable median crossings along the road stretch from Pantha Chowk to Shalteng to enhance road safety.

Also, the Div Com directed the SSP Traffic to intensify action against illegal parking and ensure generation of challans using SSCL traffic cameras.

DIG South Kashmir Inaugurates Specialized Training Programme for Investigating Officers

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Anantnag Feb 3: DIG South Kashmir Range Shri Javed Iqbal Mattoo-IPS, along with SSP Anantnag Shri Amritpal Singh and DDP Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian, inaugurated 10-day specialized training programme for police officers at the District Police Office (DPO), Anantnag.

During the training period, participating officers will be imparted specialized courses on important aspects of investigation, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Terror Financing, Digital Forensics, Economic Offences, and other related subjects.

For the successful conduct of the programme, special faculties and expert resource persons have been arranged to impart lectures on various aspects of investigation. The training aims to enhance the professional competence, investigative skills, and legal understanding of investigating officers to deal effectively with complex and emerging crime challenges.