The Economic Offences Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a chargesheet in connection with case FIR No. 253/2023 of Police Station Kupwara under Sections 420 IPC and 66D of the IT Act. The chargesheet was formally submitted before the Hon’ble Court of Sub Judge, Kupwara.

The case originated from a complaint received at Police Post Dragmulla, Kupwara, alleging that one Salim Akbar, son of Mohammad Akbar, resident of Hyhama Batapora, Kupwara (currently residing at Malpora Nagri Hatmullah), was involved in fraudulent activities targeting innocent insurance policy holders.

Preliminary enquiry revealed that the accused, a former tele-caller with reputed insurance firms including Max Life Insurance and Aditya Birla Sun Life, had deceitfully collected policy installment payments from clients. These payments were directed into bank accounts of his choice, without the knowledge or authorization of the actual insurance companies.

Investigations further indicated that Salim Akbar, along with accomplices, orchestrated a systematic scam, thereby committing acts of cheating and breach of trust. Based on the enquiry findings, a formal FIR was registered at P/S Kupwara under relevant sections of law, and the investigation was subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch, Srinagar.
Accordingly, a chargesheet in the matter has been submitted before the Hon’ble Court of Law for judicial determination.

The chargesheet marks a significant step towards ensuring accountability in white-collar crimes and safeguarding the interests of citizens against financial fraud.

Jammu, 13th October 2025: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha chaired the 36th meeting of Executive Council of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, at Raj Bhawan today.

The meeting was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor Jammu University; Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University; Prof. Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Management, Ahmedabad University; Prof. A.S.K. Sinha, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi; Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT, Jammu; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO, SMVDSB; Shri Ajay Kumar Sharma, Registrar, SMVDU and other members of Executive Council.

The Executive Council discussed several important academic and administrative issues and gave in-principle approval to various agenda points presented during the meeting.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the University to take a comprehensive review of the various important initiatives and programmes to regularly update the curriculum to meet the objectives of National Education Policy-2020 and transforming SMVDU into a premier educational institute at the National level.

He highlighted the need for a dedicated focus on lifelong learning skill and community engagement, increasing enrolment, industry collaboration and networking, Skill enhancement through short term courses, research, innovation and incubation, patents, strengthening of faculty and staff, and the introduction of new programs from the upcoming academic year.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the University to establish a specialized faculty for languages to offer integrated courses in Hindi, Dogri, French, and German. He emphasized on encouraging students enrolled in foreign languages and technical courses to also pursue Hindi and Dogri languages.

He also instructed the SMVDU to implement the complete digitalization of all University records.

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing projects and construction works in the University, implementation of NEP-2020, important matters pertaining to admissions, recruitment, faculty career advancement, non-functional promotions for non-teaching staff, end to end digitisation of student life cycle management process and utilization of e-Samarth dashboard.

The chair was informed that the university has now been designated as a ‘TCS Priority College’ by Tata Consultancy Services for a period of three years as part of their campus placement program.

Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University presented various Agenda items before the Executive Council for approval and ratification.

JAMMU OCTOBER 13: A firing incident was reported at Gulshan Ground in Jammu, where Head Constable Sanjeev Kumar sustained injuries under unclear circumstances.

According to preliminary information, the constable was immediately rushed to the hospital, and his condition is said to be stable.

Police teams have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to determine the cause and sequence of the incident.

Authorities are yet to confirm whether the firing was accidental or deliberate.

Srinagar, October 13: Srinagar Police today carried out coordinated search operations at multiple locations connected to individuals allegedly associated with the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and the Hurriyat Conference, as part of an ongoing crackdown on proscribed organisations in the Valley.

The searches included the residence of former separatist leader Ashraf Sehrai, who passed away while in detention in 2021. In addition, police conducted searches at the homes of several other individuals allegedly linked to banned separatist outfits. These include:

Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat alias Goga Shahib alias Mushtaqul Islam of Kashi Mohalla, Batamaloo

Ashraf Sehrai of Baghat

Mehrajuddin Kalwal alias Raj Kalwal of Rainawari Kalwal Mohalla, currently residing at Hamza Colony, Kenihama, and presently in NIA custody

Zameer Ahmad Sheikh of Gulshan Nagar, Nowgam

According to police, the operations were carried out strictly in accordance with legal procedures. During the searches, various materials, including literature and photographs, allegedly linked to banned separatist outfits, were seized.

“These actions form part of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling the terror and separatist ecosystem in the Valley by targeting its support structures and networks,” a police statement said.

Srinagar Police emphasized that maintaining peace and public order remains a top priority. Authorities asserted that action will continue against individuals and groups involved in unlawful or anti-national activities.

The coordinated operations reflect the ongoing efforts of security forces to curb separatist influences and illegal activities in the region, and underline the administration’s commitment to ensuring stability and safety for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

(AGENCIES)

Srinagar, October 13: Last-minute efforts to forge unity between the National Conference (NC) and Congress for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections have failed, sources said, due to disagreements over the voting preferences of independent MLAs. These MLAs are not required to disclose their votes to authorized polling agents during the election, raising concerns about cross-voting.

Discussions between the two alliance partners reportedly continued late into the night after Congress publicly declined on Sunday to contest the “riskier” fourth seat offered by the NC. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Congress had expressed willingness to field a candidate on the condition that five NC MLAs would vote for its nominee instead of relying on five independents currently supporting the ruling alliance.

A senior Congress leader told news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), “We made it clear to the NC command that we cannot depend on independents to vote for our candidate. We requested that they spare five of their MLAs for us, and in return, ask the independents to vote for the NC candidate contesting under the third notification, which involves a combined election.”

However, the NC leadership reportedly did not accept this proposal. The Congress leader explained, “Independent MLAs are not bound to show their marked ballots to anyone, and if they do, their votes risk being cancelled. In contrast, NC MLAs, being party-affiliated, must display their votes to authorized polling agents.”

Among the 53 MLAs supporting the ruling alliance, five are independents: Satish Sharma (Chamb), Pyare Lal (Inderwal), Dr. Rameshwar Singh (Bani), Muzaffar Khan (Rajouri), and Choudhary Akram (Surankote). Election rules allow these independents to keep their votes confidential, unlike party-affiliated legislators.

The conditions for independent voting raised concerns within Congress about potential cross-voting. “How can we rely on independents when we are not in power and merely providing outside support?” a Congress leader asked.

The NC leadership, sources added, suggested that Congress should also seek the support of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has three MLAs in the House, further complicating the negotiations.

The deadlock highlights the challenges of alliance politics in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of crucial Rajya Sabha elections, where the final outcomes depend not only on party strength but also on strategic voting decisions by independents and smaller parties.

Srinagar, October 13: Four candidates from the National Conference (NC) submitted their nomination papers on Monday for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for October 24.

According to Gulistan News TV, the first three candidates to file were Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, former Minister; Sajad Kichloo, former Minister of State; and Shammi Oberoi, NC Treasurer.

The fourth candidate, Imran Nabi Dar, was the last to submit his nomination papers. Speaking to Gulistan News TV, Dar confirmed, “I have filed my nomination papers today.”

Earlier reports by Gulistan News TV had indicated that Dar would file his nomination following Congress’s decision to decline contesting the fourth Rajya Sabha seat. With Congress stepping aside, all four candidates are now officially in the race representing the NC.

The elections are expected to be closely watched as they will determine Jammu and Kashmir’s representation in the Upper House of Parliament and reflect the political alignments of parties within the Union Territory.

The nomination filing comes amid heightened political activity, following late-night negotiations between the NC and Congress over the fourth seat, which ultimately did not result in an agreement due to disagreements over the voting preferences of independent MLAs.

With nominations now complete, the focus will shift to the campaigning and voting process by the Members of the Legislative Assembly, which will decide the final outcome of the Rajya Sabha elections in the Union Territory.

ECI issues notifications

Srinagar, Oct 13 : The nomination process for Budgam and Nagrota assembly segments began on Monday with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issuing two separate notifications for them.

According to the notifications issued by the poll-body, the copies of which is in possession of media , the ECI said that candidates can file their nomination papers until October 20 for 27-Budgam and 77 Nagrota.

The poll-body announced that scrutiny of nominations will take place on October 22, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 24.

The voting is scheduled for November 11, with counting set to take place on November 14.

The Budgam seat fell vacant on October 21,2024 after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chose to retain Ganderbal constituency following his victory from both seats in 2024 Assembly elections. The Nagrota seat was vacated due to the demise of BJP MLA Devinder Singh Rana on October 31, 2024

Ganderbal,
12th October 2025

In a decisive action to curb rising incidents of harassment at tourist destinations, Ganderbal Police has identified and booked a group of 20 miscreants involved in harassing young couples and tourists visiting Abdullah Park, Dumping Park, and adjoining areas along the river — popular recreational sites within the district.

The group, locally known as the “Self Made Gang (16/96),” used to frequent these public places, click photographs and videos of visiting couples and tourists without consent, and subsequently resort to intimidation, blackmail, and harassment of innocent persons on various pretexts for personal gains.

During enquire, it came to fore that the group maintained WhatsApp and other social media groups to coordinate such unlawful activities.

Taking strong cognizance of the matter, police teams swiftly identified and apprehended all 20 individuals involved. Their parents and guardians were also summoned to the Police Station Ganderbal counseling sessions aimed at preventing such behavior in the future.

However, considering the repeated involvement of some among them in similar acts, a few habitual offenders have been booked under relevant sections of law and sent to Dignibal Jail as per legal proceedings.

To ensure the safety and dignity of the public and tourists, Ganderbal Police has also issued a dedicated Helpline No.s (Womens helpline No. 9541786742, PCR Ganderbal 9906668731, 01942416564,) for reporting any such incidents or harassment-related complaints.

Ganderbal Police reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and tourist-friendly environment across all public places in the district.

Public is advised to report any incident of harassment or suspicious activity immediately for prompt police action.

Srinagar, October 12, 2025 – Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the BJP accusing the party of marginalizing India’s Muslim population while simultaneously engaging in diplomatic and developmental cooperation with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Mehbooba Mufti highlighted what she described as the “blatant contradiction” in the BJP’s policies. She noted that while the party propagates narratives such as “Love Jihad,” “Land Jihad,” “Vote Jihad,” and “Cow Jihad” to target and demonize Muslims in India, it has chosen to extend educational scholarships and developmental aid to Afghan students.
Mehbooba emphasized that fostering good relations with Afghanistan may be strategically important for India, but it raises serious concerns about internal policy towards minorities. She pointed to the withdrawal of scholarships for Muslim students and the closure of madrasas as examples of systematic marginalization, calling these moves “a stark reminder of internal hypocrisy.”
The former Chief Minister stressed that international diplomacy cannot substitute for domestic harmony and equality. “Maintaining international relationships is vital, but the foundation of a stable and harmonious nation lies in fostering trust, respect, and equality within its own borders, particularly with its minority communities,” she said.
Concluding her statement, Mehbooba Mufti appealed to the central leadership, indirectly referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Bulldozer Baba,” urging the government to address these domestic issues seriously and ensure that India’s own citizens are not left behind while extending aid abroad.
The statement is likely to ignite further debate on the BJP’s domestic and foreign policy approach, particularly regarding minority rights and India–Afghanistan relations.