Jammu, August 23 : Police claimed to have busted a fraud marriage nexus in Chowki Choura, Akhnoor, on Saturday, arresting five individuals, including a woman who posed as the bride.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that on 11.08.2025, Police Station Akhnoor registered FIR No.140/2025 U/S 318(4)/82(2)/61(2) BNS after receiving a complaint regarding fraudulent marriage arrangements. The investigation was taken up by IC PP Chowki Choura, Vinay Kotwal, under the close supervision of SHO Akhnoor and SDPO Akhnoor.

As per the complaint, Deepak Kumar S/o Baldev Raj R/o Dhana Chapri, Chowki Choura approached the complainant Rashpal Chand S/o Chatru Ram R/o Dori Dager, Chowki Choura with a marriage proposal from outside the Union Territory and demanded ₹3 lakh. After the marriage was solemnized, the bride, along with other accomplices, fled within
two days, thereby cheating the complainant.

Investigations revealed that the gang was operating a fraudulent nexus under the guise of a marriage bureau. The racket managed everything, including arranging the bride, priest (Pandit), and related formalities. Shortly after marriage, the bride would desert the complainant on one pretext or another. Due to social stigma, many victims refrained from reporting such incidents. However, in this case, timely reporting led to a major breakthrough.

The five accused who have been arrested are identified as Deepak Kumar S/o Baldev Raj R/o Dhana Chapri, Chowki Choura, Vikas Kumar*S/o Netar Parkash R/o Poonch, Arun Kumar* S/o Raj Kumar R/o Bihar, Istakhar S/o Salim R/o Uttar Pradesh and Kusum Lata R/o Uttar Pradesh (Bride).

The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are not ruled out. Notably, four more similar cases have surfaced,two from Akhnoor and two from Nagrota,where inquiries are currently in progress.

The entire investigation is being closely monitored by SP Rural Jammu & SSP Jammu.

Jammu Police appeals to the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities and to promptly report such incidents to the nearest police station. This nexus primarily targets vulnerable individuals, especially those who are unable to find suitable matches or are overage for marriage, reads the statement.

Srinagar, August 23 : The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken over the management of 215 schools linked to the banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its educational wing Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT), starting today.

The decision follows adverse reports from intelligence agencies indicating direct or indirect links between these schools and the proscribed organisation. breaking news jammu and kashmir

“Intelligence Agencies have identified a number of schools which were found to be directly or indirectly affiliated with the proscribed organisation Jamat-e-Isalami (Jel)/Falah-e-Aam Trust (FAT); and the validity of the Managing Committee of 215 such schools has expired/has been reported adversely upon by the Intelligence Agencies,” read the order. breaking news jammu and kashmir

District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners will take charge of these schools, propose fresh managing committees after verification, and ensure uninterrupted education for students.

“The Managing Committee of the 215 schools as given in Annexure ‘A’ (in the notice) shall be taken over by the District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner concerned, who shall propose a fresh Managing Committee in due course for the concerned schools after getting these duly verified,” read the govt order. breaking news jammu and kashmir

Authorities have assured that the academic future of students enrolled in these institutions will not be affected, with measures in place to maintain quality education.

Furthermore, the notice stated, “The Concerned District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner, on taking over these Schools, shall take appropriate steps in consultation and in coordination with the School Education Department so as to ensure that the academic career of the students enrolled in these schools is not affected in any manner. He shall also take all necessary measures to ensure quality education as per NEP norms in these schools.” breaking news jammu and kashmir

Says she didn’t order DCs to take over these schools, Secretary SED modified her order; Sajad Lone slams Omar Abdullah-led govt; Says elected govt party to all acts undertaken

Srinagar, Aug 23 : Soon after the School Education department ordered taking over of 215 schools affiliated with the banned outfit Jamaat-i-Islami (JeI) and Falah-i-Aam Trust (FAT), minister Sakina Itoo responded by saying she had not asked the deputy commissioners to take control of the school.

Speaking exclusively, the minister said she had suggested in her order that these schools be looked after by the principals of the nearby government schools for three months since their management committee had expired.

She said around 221 schools were given negative verification by the CID, while the management committee of these schools had also expired a long ago. “These schools were facing issues in registration and the future of over 51,000 students was at stake. So, I had mentioned in my order that these school be looked after by the principals of the nearest government schools,” she said.

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir School Education department ordered taking over of 215 Jamaat and FAT affiliated schools, asking deputy commissioners to control of management of these schools. The Centre had last year banned Jamaat-i-Islami, a politico-religious outfit in Jammu and Kashmir, for a period of fiver years over its alleged terror links.

The minister said she had ordered that until these schools get new registration and managing bodies, principals of the nearest government schools will look after these schools for three months. “I had even approved the list of principals who were supposed to look after these schools,” she claimed.

She said she has not directed or ordered Deputy Commissioners (DC’s) to take over these schools. “The secretary has wrongly mentioned in the order that these schools be taken over the deputy commissioners. The order that has been issued is not exactly what I had written,” she said.

Meanwhile, People’s Conference chairman and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone trained his guns on the Omar Abdullah led government, saying the schools have forcibly taken over by the government and that the elected government is a party to all acts undertaken.

“The elected government has passed the order. Shame and shamelessness have assumed new meanings in this government. They are setting new standards in servility. And just to recall the sermons the edicts that this party passed against their opponents. Be under no illusions. This elected government is a party to all acts undertaken. Be it mailings or termination of employees, they are equal partners.

They have been equal partners in the past. And they will be equal partners in the future.
This is the A team. This was always the A team,” he said in a post on X—

Baramulla, Aug 22: District Magistrate Baramulla, Minga Sherpa (IAS), has ordered restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)-2023 in the villages of Gund Khwaja Qasim, Kanterbugh, and adjoining areas from 8:30 PM on August 22 to 9:30 PM on August 23, coinciding with the 28th of Safar.

The order, issued following reports from police and civil authorities about possible law and order issues, prohibits gatherings of four or more people, processions, carrying of firearms or offensive articles, and use of loudspeakers without prior permission.

Former cabinet Minister and senior Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir Apni party ,Ghulam Hassan Mir called on the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir ,Shri Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan Srinagar on Thursday

According to the press statement,the meeting revolved around a wide range of developmental and public interest issues,with special focus on the promotion of tourism in valley

Mir urged the Lieutenant Governor to personally intervene in facilitating access to several untapped tourist destinations including Gogaldara ,Bota-pathri ,Baderkote ,and the Doodhpathri Snow point , stressing that their opening could not only diversify tourist inflow but also create employment opportunities for local youths

During the meeting,the two leaders also held deliberation on the prevailing political and security situation in jammu and kashmir.Mir emphasized the need for sustained efforts to strengthen peace , stability and inclusive growth in the region

The Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by Mir and assured him that the administration is committed to promoting tourism and addressing the concerns of the people of jammu and kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 22 : A women was critically injured in a cooking gas leakage blast in DK marg area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday morning.

Reports reaching said that a women identified as Wazeera bano resident of Kandi marg of Kulgam suffered burn injuries after cooking gas leakage blast at her residence.

They said that she was rushed to GMC Anantnag for treatment, where from she has been referred to SMHS hospital for specialised treatment, where her condition is said to be critical.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.

​Srinagar, Aug 22 : The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet is scheduled to meet at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The meeting is expected to recommend dates for convening the Assembly session, which is a key item on the agenda, sources told

​This will be the first Cabinet meeting since the recent cloudburst tragedies in Kishtwar and Kathua, which have claimed numerous lives.

The government’s response to these natural calamities and the rehabilitation of victims are also on the agenda, sources said.

​Cabinet will also discuss other significant issues, including a proposal to clear pending House Rent Allowance (HRA) for government employees and strategies to promote tourism in the region.

​Decisions taken during the meeting will be forwarded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for his approval.

A fresh Western disturbance likely to impact Valley and Jammu from tomorrow evening/ Night onwards

Leading to Widespread Rain , thunderstorms Across J&k
Mostly Around 24 August.
Scattered TS likely towards afternoon tomorrow

Extreme higher reaches of Valley expected to Receive fresh snowfall

Shopian, Aug 21 : A woman from Takibal Reban area of Zainapora, Shopian, has died under suspicious circumstances on Thursday, prompting police to initiate proceedings into the incident.

A senior police officer told, Police Station Zainapora received information, a 27-year-old lady, identified as Urfi Jan, wife of Showkat Ahmad Lone, resident of Takibal Reban, was brought to Yaripora hospital in an unconscious and suspicious condition.

Doctors at the hospital subsequently declared her brought dead, the officer said.

In light of the circumstances surrounding her death, proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been initiated by the police, Officer added.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

Non-compliant sellers face fines up to ₹10 lakh and jail up to six years

Srinagar, Aug 21 : The Jammu & Kashmir Food and Drug Administration has issued a stringent public notice directing all businesses engaged in frozen raw meat, chicken, and meat products to comply with FSSAI norms, warning of strict penalties for violators.

According to the notice, which lies with media , the guidelines cover manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, cold storage operators, transporters, and even e-commerce platforms. Officials have prohibited sale of meat products without complete labeling and set strict temperature conditions — frozen products must remain at -18°C or below throughout the supply chain, while chilled storage at 4°C is permitted only for up to four days.

The FDA has cautioned that violations will attract action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Penalties include fines of up to ₹10 lakh, seizure of unsafe stock, and imprisonment of up to six years in cases involving unsafe food.

Officials reminded that during recent inspections, over 12,000 kg of sub-standard meat was destroyed, reinforcing the department’s zero-tolerance policy.