Srinagar, Jan 2 ,KNT: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Srinagar of the Crime Branch has submitted the charge-sheet in FIR No. 25/2018 under Sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 201 and 120-B of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla. The charge-sheet has been filed against 108 accused persons in connection with a major case involving embezzlement of Government funds and illegal appointments in Electric Division Sumbal.

The accused include 15 Executive Engineers, 06 Assistant Accounts Officers, 01 Accounts Assistant, 06 Head Assistants, 04 Senior Assistants (including the kingpin Mushtaq Ahmad Malik S/o Sonaullah Malik R/o Aragam, Bandipora), 04 Junior Assistants and 01 Orderly, all of whom were posted in Electric Division Sumbal. The charge-sheet also names 25 officers and officials of J&K Bank, Branch Sumbal Sonawari, besides 46 fake employees who were illegally appointed.

The case was registered following credible information that the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO), in connivance with other officials of the department and bank officials, fraudulently drew crores of rupees from Government accounts and facilitated fake appointments. Investigation established large-scale commission of offences, including diversion of Government funds.

During the investigation, crores of rupees were recovered from the accused kingpin Mushtaq Ahmad Malik and deposited into the Government Treasury. It further emerged that substantial amounts were transferred to multiple bank accounts of the accused, including savings accounts and term deposits, along with accrued interest.

The Government had accorded sanction for prosecution against the accused persons and accordingly Chargesheet submitted before the competent court for judicial adjudication.[KNT]

1. Srinagar, Jan 1, KNT: A vigilance check conducted on a Train operating from SINA Srinagar to SVDK Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra has revealed multiple irregularities, officials said on Thursday.

The inspection was carried out between Banihal and SVDK as part of routine vigilance measures to ensure compliance and financial discipline in passenger train operations. During the check, excess and undeclared government cash amounting to Rs 10,830 was found in the possession of on duty ticket checking staff.

Officials said the inspection team also detected 33 passengers travelling without proper tickets in various manned coaches of train number 26402. An amount of Rs 36,130 was realised from these passengers towards fare and penalty during the course of the action.

Railway officials told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the vigilance drive led to immediate recovery of government revenue and underlined the importance of regular inspections in curbing ticketless travel and preventing financial irregularities.

The vigilance check was conducted by a team from Northern Railway Vigilance, Baroda House, comprising Prince Sethi, Samar, Sandeep Kumar and Ajit Kumar Tripathi.

Officials said such vigilance actions will continue to strengthen accountability and transparency in railway operations on the busy Srinagar Katra route. [KNT]

Anantnag Police have initiated action against five (05) individuals who were found using unauthorized Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, in violation of prohibitory orders issued by the District Magistrate Anantnag.

The violators were identified by Anantnag Police, following which security proceedings have been initiated for non-compliance with the lawful orders in force.
It is pertinent to mention that on 27 December 2025, the District Magistrate, Anantnag, had issued prohibitory orders banning the use of unauthorized VPN services with the objective of preventing misuse of online platforms, including encrypted applications, which may pose challenges to public safety and security.

Anantnag Police reiterate their commitment to strict enforcement of lawful orders and to taking all necessary measures to prevent misuse of digital platforms in the interest of maintaining public order and security.

Srinagar, Dec 31, KDC: The District Police Anantnag said it has delivered a significant blow to the narcotics trade over the course of 2025 by executing a relentless enforcement campaign under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

According to the police, the year-long initiative, driven by a strict zero-tolerance policy, resulted in the registration of 124 cases and the arrest of 124 individuals, with a total of 149 accused persons brought into custody. The police said the scale of the operation reflects a strategic shift toward not only apprehending local peddlers but also systematically dismantling the logistics and financial infrastructure sustaining drug trafficking in the district.

Police stated that the volume of contraband seized highlights the diversity of the illicit market being targeted. Authorities said they recovered 351 kilograms of poppy straw, 150 kilograms of cannabis powder, 95 kilograms of fukki, and 37 kilograms of ganja. The police further said the crackdown extended to processed and synthetic drugs, with seizures including nearly 8 kilograms of charas, hundreds of bottles of intoxicant syrup, and quantities of brown sugar and heroin. To curb supply at its source, police said their teams destroyed wild cannabis cultivation spread across more than 186 kanals of land in rural areas.

Police described the most impactful aspect of the campaign as the aggressive targeting of what they termed the “narcotic economy.” According to the police, properties and assets worth ₹3.66 crore were attached to ensure that crime does not pay. This, police said, included 14 residential houses, a shopping complex, multiple shops, and agricultural structures such as cowsheds and land. The police further said they froze 193 bank accounts containing ₹59 lakh and seized several vehicles allegedly used for transporting illegal substances. By choking the financial pipelines of these syndicates, police said they aim to create a long-term deterrent against the resurgence of drug networks.

In their annual summary, the District Police Anantnag said achieving a drug-free society depends heavily on cooperation between law enforcement and the public. Police reiterated that community support is vital for identifying hidden hubs of narcotics activity and safeguarding the younger generation. Looking ahead, the police said they remain committed to sustaining pressure on drug networks and will continue to use helplines and digital platforms to promote public participation in ensuring safety and stability across the district. (KDC)

Delhi: A series of milestone achievements marked the year 2025 for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has maintained an impressive record of over 92 percent conviction rate while achieving major successes, including the extradition of 26/11 mastermind Tahawwur Rana as well as the arrest of several terrorists and their associates involved in the dastardly Pahalgam and the Delhi terror attacks.

Tahawwur Rana was successfully extradited from the United States to India in April to face justice for plotting the horrific 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and other attacks across the country. The extradition marked a significant breakthrough in NIA’s investigation into the 26/11 terror attack conspiracy that left 166 people dead.

In another noteworthy achievement, NIA secured the deportation of gangster Anmol Bishnoi from the US. Brother and close aid of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Anmol had been absconding since 2022. The agency is making all out efforts to ensure speedy trial against him in a case relating to the conspiracy by criminal syndicates/gangs based in India and abroad, to carry out terrorist activities in Delhi and other parts of the country.

​With its chargesheet filed against seven accused, including the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its affiliate ‘The Resistance Front (TRF)’ as a terrorist organisation, the NIA wrapped up the year with a major success in its investigation into the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack that had shocked the nation in April. Among those chargesheeted were the three terrorists who had carried out the religion based targeted killings and were subsequently killed by the security forces.

​The NIA also made remarkable progress in its ongoing probe in the Delhi Red Fort area car blast case, in which as many as nine accused were arrested in less than two months of the terrorist attack that killed 11 persons and left several others injured.

​The year further saw the counter-terror agency make major strides in its action against Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The central government has set a goal to make India completely Naxal-free by 31st March 2026, and the NIA, along with state police forces and central armed police forces such as the CRPF, has been actively pursuing the Naxal cadres in the country. NIA took up a total of nine investigations against LWE members and top leaderships, and chargesheeted 34 of them, during the year.

The total arrests made by NIA across key categories of crimes in the 55 cases registered during the year stood at 276 (67 accused in Jihadi cases, 74 in LWE cases, 37 in NEI cases, 28 in Khalistan cases, 11 in Gangster cases and 59 accused in Other cases). The agency notched a record 66 convictions and chargesheeted 320 accused in 2025, which witnessed a slew of property and asset attachment actions as part of its crackdown against absconding terrorists, criminals and gangsters. A total of 12 properties/assets were attached during the year.

​Nationwide searches at the premises of accused and suspects in major terror and organised crime networks through the year saw a total of 200 accused arrested. These searches and arrests, which included clampdowns in cases related to designated Khalistani terrorists like Goldy Brar, were part of NIA’s concerted efforts to dismantle such networks.

​The NIA further made substantial progress in cases related to human trafficking networks that have perforated in several states in recent years. A large number of vulnerable youth have been duped by these transnational syndicates, including via the notorious ‘dunki’ route, and NIA made several arrests in connection with the latter. The agency also made significant progress in cases of cross-border human trafficking, involving Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals, as well in cases of Indian youth being forced into cyber slavery in the Golden Triangle region in Laos and Cambodia.

During the year, NIA continued to intensify its actions against ISIS, Al-Qaeda, HuT and other Jihadi organisations involved in various radicalisation, recruitment and terror attack cases. These included the Red Fort Delhi blast case, terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, and other cases of conspiracy/radicalisation of youth. The agency also focused concertedly on investigation against pro-Khalistani elements and their nexus with organised criminal syndicates, with 10 such cases intensively investigated during the year.

Other important investigations during 2025 included cases against various insurgent groups, such as ULFA-I and NSCN-IM, in the North East. Several instances of recovery of arms & ammunitions and explosives were also reported by the agency from various states. These included the seizure of illegal arms and ammunition following searches across three states, leading to the arrest of four accused, in the last month of the year. This was preceded, in November, by the arrest of a wanted accused involved in the smuggling of sophisticated illegal weapons including AK-47 rifles, along with ammunition, into Bihar as part of a major anti-national conspiracy.

​Major breakthroughs were made during 2025 in many cases relating to the targeted killings of Praveen Nettaru, Ramalingam, Kerala Professor TJ Joseph, Ratan Dubey, Sreenivasan, Suhas Shetty Dinesh Pusu Gawade and Priyangu Pandey. A series of convictions secured in the Pakistan-linked Vishakhapatnam Navy espionage case of 2019 added another feather to NIA’s cap. The NIA also arrested/chargesheeted several accused in various Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) cases across states.

​Keeping pace with the changes in the terror and crime landscape in the country, NIA made some major technical and operational advancements aimed at strengthening its investigation and modernising its capabilities. A ‘Lost/Looted Recovered’ Government Weapons Database and an Organised Crime Network Database were developed to improve the anti-terror capabilities not just of the NIA but of all the key security and investigative agencies across states through real-time information sharing.

In a significant step towards fostering inter-agency collaboration and empowering law enforcement officials to fight the growing challenges posed by cryptocurrency-related criminal activities, the NIA conducted advanced workshop on cryptocurrency investigations at the start of the year. Infrastructural development and expansion remained an ongoing focus area of the agency’s efforts to augment its capacity in its fight against terror, in line with its commitment to securing the nation against major terrorist and criminal networks

SRINAGAR, DEC 31: To address persistent traffic congestion and ensure smooth vehicular movement on the Rambagh-Natipora–Chanapora road, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, conducted a spot visit of Natipora Junction and Barzulla underpass today.

During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner reviewed the existing traffic scenario and issued slew of directions for implementing strategic interventions.

He instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to develop a T-junction at Natipora by utilizing available land of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to facilitate smoother traffic movement and reduce congestion.

The Div Com further directed the PWD to expedite the removal of structures falling within the alignment of the right-side bund road of Doodh Ganga. He also instructed the department to establish connectivity of the left-side bund road of the Doodh Ganga from Barzulla to the Sanatnagar Flyover.

While inspecting the ongoing construction of the Barzulla Bridge underpass, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized extending the bund road beyond the underpass to connect it with IG Road, aimed at eliminating wrong-side traffic movement from bridge to Rambagh Chowk.

Besides, Garg directed the PWD to take up land acquisition matter with the CRPF required for road widening and instructed the concerned authorities to prepare detailed drawings showcasing the proposed road layout, including the “before and after” configuration.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, SSP Traffic Srinagar, senior officers of the PWD, and the Commanding Officer of CRPF were present during the inspection.

Srinagar, Dec 31, KNT: Inhabitants of Kalashpora area in Srinagar have raised serious concern over the non-removal of construction debris following cement and concrete slab work carried out by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, alleging that the unattended waste has been causing public hardship and safety risks for over two and a half months.

According to locals, officials and workers of the municipal corporation undertook slab laying and surface treatment work in a lane situated near Masjid Sheikh Hamza at Kalashpora on Babadem Link Road. However, after completion of the work, large quantities of construction debris including stones, broken concrete, rubble and other waste material were left dumped just opposite the Masjid Shareef.

The inhabitants said the debris has remained unattended for nearly ten weeks, turning the area into what they described as an unauthorised dumping site. They alleged that repeated appeals for clearance have yielded no response from the concerned authorities.

The inhabitants termed the prolonged neglect as a violation of basic civic responsibility, sanitation norms and public safety standards, particularly in a religious and densely inhabited locality. They said instead of providing relief through development works, the incomplete execution has added to the daily inconvenience of the public.

The inhabitants have urged the concerned departments and grievance redressal authorities to intervene without further delay and ensure immediate removal of the dumped construction material. They have also sought restoration of the lane to a clean and walkable condition and fixing of responsibility to prevent recurrence of such negligence in future civic works. [KNT]

Chadoora, Dec 27, KDC: Police on Friday said that Police Station Chadoora received a complaint from two parents alleging that their minor daughters were harassed and attacked by an unknown man while returning home from tuition, who sprayed a chemical substance into their eyes, later found to be snow spray.

“Accordingly, FIR No. 209/2025 under Sections 62 and 137 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at PS Chadoora, and an investigation was initiated,” police said in a statement to news agency Kashmir Dot Com.

During the course of the probe, police analysed CCTV footage and other technical evidence, which led to the identification of the suspect. “Questioning and searches confirmed that Raja Furqan, S/O Fayaz Ahmad Khan, resident of Gowherpora, Chadoora, carried out the act by spraying snow spray into the eyes of the victims,” police said.

The police further stated that the clothes and footwear worn by the accused at the time of the incident were recovered from his possession, and that the victims identified him during questioning, following which he was formally arrested.

It also emerged during the investigation that the accused had allegedly attempted similar acts in the past, but was let off by locals after being admonished, as no formal police complaint was filed at that time.

“Budgam Police reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and remains committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of girls and women across the district,” the statement read.

Police advised the general public to report harassment or suspicious incidents to the nearest police station without delay, emphasizing that timely reporting is crucial for prevention and legal action. (KDC)

rinagar, Dec 30, KNT: Counter Intelligence Kashmir has stepped up action against individuals accused of spreading anti-national propaganda after the Special Judge designated under the NIA Act in Srinagar issued a proclamation against three accused persons in a long-pending case linked to secessionist misinformation campaigns.

The Court of the Special Judge under the NIA Act, Srinagar, has issued a proclamation under Section 82 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in FIR No. 07/2020 registered at Police Station Counter Intelligence Kashmir. The case involves serious charges under Sections 153-A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

Investigations revealed a well-coordinated conspiracy by anti-social and anti-national elements allegedly operating at the behest of secessionist forces based within and outside the Valley. The accused were found masquerading as journalists, freelancers and news portals while allegedly using social media platforms such as Facebook, X and WhatsApp to circulate fake, exaggerated and out-of-context content.

Investigators said the alleged objective of the digital campaign was to incite street violence, disrupt normal life, damage public property and disturb public order by promoting secessionist narratives and creating disaffection against the Union of India.

The accused named in the case are Mubeen Ahmad Shah of Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, Azizul Hassan Ashai alias Tony Ashai of the same locality, and Rifat Wani of Trehgam in Kupwara district. Authorities said their role in propagating content prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India has been firmly established during the investigation.

Following the issuance of arrest warrants, the CIK said the accused allegedly went underground to evade the law. Taking note of their continued absconding, the court has directed them to appear before it on or before January 31, 2026. Failure to comply will invite proceedings under Section 83 CrPC, including attachment of property.

Counter Intelligence Kashmir stated that despite being absconders, the accused remain active on social media and continue to circulate provocative material. The agency reiterated its resolve to act decisively against all forms of anti-national propaganda and warned that such activities will be dealt with strictly under the law. [KNT]