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Srinagar: The Counter Intelligence wing police on Tuesday said it has arrested a person for impersonating and masquerading as a senior police official allegedly to threaten people.

The Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) received credible input suggesting that an individual Barkat Ali Parray alias BK, a resident of Gundhassi Bhat in Sheltang, Srinagar was indulging in impersonation, using the photograph of CIK SSP on his WhatsApp as his display picture and threatening people, a CIK official said.

He said following the digital footprints, the CIK apprehended the suspect at Jahangir Chowk in Srinagar on Monday. On casual inspection of his mobile device, the suspect was found using the display picture of CIK SSP on his WhatsApp account.

During preliminary verification, it was found that the suspect had downloaded the photograph of CIK SSP from the internet and had put it as his WhatsApp display picture with the intent to falsely portray himself as a police officer, the official said.

The verification further revealed that the suspect had been involved in online gambling on various platforms for the past year and had made some advance payments on one of the platforms, he said.

When quizzed, it came to the fore that the suspect had misused the profile picture of CIK SSP and threatened the organisers of an online gaming platform seeking refund of his advance payment, the official added.

Further verification and analysis of his digital device is in progress to ascertain whether the suspect has any involvement in other anti-social and anti-national activities, the official said. (With inputs from PTI)

Srinagar: Police in Bandipora on Tuesday said an FIR was registered and few boys were apprehended after tip off about some ‘obscene acts’ taking place in Bandipora main market.

The statement came after rumor spread that a ‘sex racket’ was busted in a hotel operating in the market area.

However, police claimed that no girl was involved in the acts as circulated by some social media outlets.

In a statement circulated on social media, police said it had received “inputs from reliable sources that some obscene acts are taking place and causing nuisance in the main market Bandipora.”

The statement added, “Taking cognizance police Bandipora reached the spot along with Executive Magistrate and apprehended a few boys performing obscene act at the said place.”

The police said, “No girl was involved or apprehended in this case.”

Police said a “Case FIR [has been] registered under relevant sections of law at Police Station Bandipora.”

Police also advised media personnel to refrain from “posting baseless information and the public is advised not to pay heed to any false rumours.”

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday launched a control centre to boost real-time surveillance on pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi to ensure their safety.

The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) has been set up at the cave shrine in Reasi district.

“Cutting-edge technology will enable real-time monitoring and crowd management for safety, security of devotees and it will ensure hassle-free pilgrimage,” the LG said.

According to an official press release, the LG observed that actionable insights gleaned from the system will enable prompt response in emergencies. The Command & Control Infrastructure including AI-powered surveillance ecosystem will provide comprehensive situational awareness, optimize operations and quick and efficient coordination with emergency responders, he said.

The large-scale, technology-driven surveillance and crowd management initiative will significantly enhance the safety and security, improve crowd control measures and operational efficiency within the shrine area.

Under the project, one Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) located at Katra and 7 Sub-Control Centers along the pilgrimage track for localized monitoring and coordination have been established which will ensure 24×7 monitoring of all vulnerable and high-traffic zones and enable proactive and prompt response to crowd build-up, security breaches, or medical emergencies.

Over 700 cameras have been deployed across the shrine area, including 170 new high-definition IP cameras and integration of more than 500 existing cameras, covering all critical and vulnerable locations including entry/exit points, gathering areas, and the pilgrimage track.

The project also featured AI-based analytics and advanced technology mechanisms like gesture recognition, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), facial recognition, intrusion detection system, crowd management tools.

Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB gave a detailed presentation on the Integrated Command & Control Centre’s technical features and its anticipated benefits in day-to-day shrine functioning. He informed that the Centre is equipped to generate automated alerts for crowd congestion, route blockages, landslides or emergencies, thereby enabling swift decision-making and response.

The LG also interacted with the engineers and operational staff at the centre. He emphasized the need for regular training of staff and seamless collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to maximise the centre’s utility.

Notably, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has recently provided advanced security equipments to the security agencies deployed for the yatra management including X-ray baggage scanners, door frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors, and under vehicle search mirrors/scanners, to enhance robust security measures in the shrine area, in pursuance to joint security review conducted last year on the directions of the LG.

Dr. Ashok Bhan, Member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu, Nidhi Malik, Deputy Commissioner Reasi and other senior officers of police, security agencies and Shrine Board were also present.

 

SRINAGAR: Upset over the slow pace of construction work at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) project in Kashmir, J&K Chief Secretary, Atal Duulloo today said that the flagship project, which is being closely monitored at the national level and through the Prime Minister’s PRAGATI review meetings, must not be allowed to lag behind.

The Chief Secretary chaired a high level meeting to review the progress on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) project in Kashmir besides addressing the operational and expansion-related issues raised by AIIMS Jammu, an official spokesman said.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Directors of AIIMS Jammu/Kashmir; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir/Jammu; Secretary, Public Works (R&B); Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department; Project Director, NHAI; Chief Engineers of PHE and PDD and other senior officials.

The statement said that the Chief Secretary took serious notice of the slow pace of construction work at AIIMS Kashmir and expressed strong dismay over the inadequate deployment of men and machinery on the site. He said that this flagship project, which is being closely monitored at the national level and through the Prime Minister’s PRAGATI review meetings, must not be allowed to lag behind.

The statement further said that CS emphasized that accountability must be fixed on the contractor for failing to mobilize sufficient skilled and unskilled labourers to meet the project timelines and directed the CPWD to expedite the pace of work and initiate the immediate remedial measures on this account. He asked to issue strict instructions to the contractor to avoid any further delay. He categorically stressed that November 2025 deadline must be met without any compromise.

The statement said that the Chief Secretary assured the executing agencies of full administrative and security support from the local administration to overcome logistical or operational hurdles and urged all the stakeholders to work in synergy and ensure that on-ground implementation matches the urgency conveyed in official directions.

It was informed during the meeting that around 64% of the project work has been completed, so far. Around 480 workers are currently engaged at the site and this number is expected to rise to 1,500 by the end of June.

It was apprised that in order to start operationalization of this hospital on time procurement and installation of medical equipment is underway. Besides, AIIMS Kashmir is expected to commence its OPD services by April 2026, IPD services by December 2026 and welcome its first batch of MBBS students in July/August 2026, the meeting was apprised as per an official communique.

In addition to the Kashmir project, the Chief Secretary also reviewed pressing issues flagged by the administration of AIIMS Jammu, especially in the context of its future expansion and seamless functioning.

Some of the key requirements discussed included augmentation of water and power supply, construction of an underpass to connect north and south blocks across the National Highway, allotment of additional land for expansion, establishment of a dedicated police post and fire station besides development of a comprehensive drainage system etc., an official spokesman said.

The Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to take note of these critical needs and assured the AIIMS Jammu administration of the UT government’s full support in fast-tracking approvals and infrastructural facilitation.

Reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment towards strengthening the tertiary healthcare infrastructure in the Union Territory, Atal Dulloo asked all the departments to work proactively to ensure that both AIIMS campuses evolve into world-class medical institutions. He highlighted that the timely completion and efficient functioning of these institutes is crucial for delivering affordable, accessible and advanced medical care to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a mass distribution drive of aids and appliances for ‘Divyangjan’ (physically challenged people) in Jammu today.

In his address, the LF, according to an official press release, lauded the noble initiative by Directorate of Social Welfare, Jammu under two key centrally sponsored schemes – Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) and Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) aimed to improve lives of senior citizens with disabilities and to empower Divyangjan.

“I strongly believe that people with disabilities have special abilities and they possess unique strengths and perspectives. I admire their exceptional resilience, problem-solving skills and empathy towards others in the society.

“I assure our Divyangjan that the administration is committed to ensure equality and equal opportunity to them in every sphere of life and they will always be treated as equals in terms of rights, access, and dignity,” the LG said.

Sinha directed the officials to promote inclusion, and leverage the practical solutions in ever evolving technological world.

“I have always dreamt of building a caring society and welfare and rehabilitation of Divyangjan is my top priority. It is my personal commitment to ensure dignity of life to our Divyangjan and their participation in all walks of life,” the LG said.

The LG also reiterated the commitment of Government of India and J&K UT Administration to fairness and opportunity tailored to individual needs of the senior citizens.

“I will personally ensure that systemic inequities and accessibility barriers—physical, digital, and social are completely removed,” he said.

On the occasion, the LG initiated the disbursement of pension arrears of Rs. 6.14 crore to 12,660 beneficiaries, under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS). The arrears were pending due to Aadhaar non-seeding, aimed at ensuring financial inclusion and support to elderly, widows, and differently-abled individuals. The LG also informed that the Social Welfare Department is coming up with a revolutionary app for the integration of eligible senior citizens into the pension beneficiaries.

He inaugurated a 50-bedded Half-Way Home for psycho-social rehabilitation of treated and controlled people with mental-illness, established at a cost of Rs. 4.39 crore at Lower Chowadi Jammu, under Deendayal Divyangjan Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS). The Half-way home will offer a structured environment to help individuals with mental illness who have been discharged from hospitals or institutions to reintegrate into society.

He also assured all support and assistance to the Divyangjan by the Social Welfare Department for their self-employment endeavours. He further asked the officials to submit the proposal to the Government of India for establishment of a park dedicated for Divyangjan.

The LG also dedicated the Parisha Child Care Institution for Girls, established at a cost of Rs. 3.03 crore at Mandi Gurglian, Samba. He commended the efforts of everyone associated with the Parisha initiative for providing a safe and nurturing environment for a better future for girl children in need.

Pertinently, the Directorate of Social Welfare Jammu, in collaboration with ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India), has conducted 112 assessment camps in all ten districts of Jammu Division. 2939 persons with disabilities under the ADIP scheme, and 2756 senior citizens under the RVY scheme, culminating in a total of 5918 identified beneficiaries, will receive more than 19,960 aids and appliances during the mass distribution drive.

Members of Legislative Assembly- Sham Lal Sharma, Arvind Gupta, Gharu Ram, Yudhvir Sethi, and Surinder Kumar; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Rupesh Kumar, Director Social Welfare Department Jammu, senior officials, Divyangjan, representatives of various NGOs and civil society members were present.

Inaugurates Chenab and Anji bridges, flags off Vande Bharat trains; inaugurated various road projects; lays foundation stone of SMVD Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra

Katra: History has been made as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi connected Kashmir with rest of the country through railways by inaugurating Chenab Rail Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge and flagging off the Vande Bhar trains.

Prime Minister landed at Udhampur Air Force Station this morning from there he flew to Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district. He was accompanied by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The Prime Minister inspected Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge over the Chenab River in Reasi district, a critical component of the USBRL project. Standing 359 meters above the river, the 1,315-meter-long bridge is designed to withstand winds up to 260 kmph and seismic activity. He travelled in a rail engine coach to reach the spot. He also visited a railway museum set up near the bridge, interacting with engineers and workers involved in the project.

The Prime Minister formally inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge, marking a significant step in connecting Kashmir to the rest of India by rail. The event included the release of commemorative coins and stamps to celebrate this engineering feat. After inaugurating the Chenab bridge, the prime minister walked on it holding the Tricolour high.

Following the Chenab Bridge event, the Prime Minister proceeded to inaugurate India’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad Bridge, another critical component of the USBRL project. This bridge enhances connectivity between Katra and Srinagar, facilitating smoother rail operations in the region’s challenging terrain.

At noon, the Prime Minister flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station to Srinagar and back. These trains, designed for cold climate adaptability with advanced heating systems and anti-spall layers, will operate six days a week, covering the 190 km journey in approximately 3 hours.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various road projects. He laid the foundation stone of road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore. He also inaugurated two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44. These projects will ease traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow for the commuters.

Won’t allow Pahalgam terror attack to hinder development work in J&K: PM Modi

Says, in Pahalgam, Pakistan attacked “Insaniyat and Kashmiriyat”

Assuring his full support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which he termed “crown of India”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday pledged not to allow the Pahalgam terror attack to hinder development works in the union territory.

He also praised the border residents for bravely facing indiscriminate cross-border shelling by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, and announced an additional relief of Rs 2 lakh for the families whose houses were completely damaged and Rs 1 lakh for those whose houses were partially damaged.

“I will not allow the Pahalgam terror attack to stop development in J&K. The dreams of the youth will be fulfilled and any obstacle has to face Modi first,” the prime minister said while addressing a public rally after flagging off the first train service to the Kashmir Valley here.

Addressing a huge public rally, the PM accused Pakistan of attacking ‘insaniyat’ and Kashimiriyat by targeting tourists in Pahalgam, saying the intent was to trigger communal clashes in India and rob Kashmiri people dependant on tourism of their livelihoods.

He said tourism provided employment and acts as a connecting link between people, but unfortunately, the neighbouring country is an enemy of humanity, harmony and tourism.

“Not only that, Pakistan is also the enemy of poor’s bread and butter. What happened on April 22 in Pahalgam is an example of that. Pakistan attacked ‘insaniyat’ and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam.

“The intent of Pakistan was to trigger communal riots in India. It wanted to strip people of Kashmir of their earnings that’s why Pakistan attacked tourism,” he said.

While mentioning Adil, who sacrificed his life while trying to save tourists from bullets of the terrorists, PM said, the way the people of Jammu and Kashmir have stood up against this conspiracy of Pakistan, the power that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown this time, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have given a strong message not just to Pakistan but to the terrorist mentality of the whole world.

“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have now made up their mind to give a befitting reply to terrorism. This is the terrorism that burnt down schools in the valley, and not just schools or buildings, it burnt the future of two generations. Hospitals were destroyed. It ruined many generations. The people here could choose representatives of their choice, elections could be held here, this too had become a big challenge due to terrorism,” he said.

Highlighting the success of Operation Sindoor, PM said: “Today is 6th June, remember a month ago, exactly a month ago, on that night of 6th May, Pakistan’s terrorists were doomed. Now whenever Pakistan hears the name of Operation Sindoor, it will remember its shameful defeat. The Pakistani army and terrorists had never imagined that India would attack terrorists like this by going hundreds of kilometers inside Pakistan. The buildings of terror that they had built with years of hard work have turned into ruins in a few minutes. Seeing this, Pakistan got very agitated and it vented its anger on the people of Jammu, Poonch and other districts too. The whole world saw how Pakistan destroyed homes here, threw shells on children, destroyed schools and hospitals, shelled temples, mosques and gurudwaras. Every citizen of the country has seen the way you countered Pakistan’s attacks. That is why every citizen of the country stands with their families with full strength.”

Expresses heartfelt gratitude to PM for dedicating the historic railway projects to the people of J&K and the nation

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor (LG), Manoj Sinha today said that with Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and the launch of Vande Bharat trains to Kashmir Valley, by the Prime Minister, Kashmir to Kanyakumari is no longer a slogan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the iconic Chenab Bridge, Anji rail bridge and Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project and flagged off Vande Bharat Trains, connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Speaking on the occasion, LG said: “Kashmir to Kanyakumari is no longer a slogan. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has turned this decade-long dream into reality. He has connected the hearts of millions of Indians, forging an unbreakable bond from North to South.”

He said that PM has fulfilled the resolve of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who had dreamt of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Calling the event a momentous occasion, LG expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for dedicating the historic railway projects to the people of Jammu Kashmir and the nation.

LG observed that the world’s tallest Chenab Railway Bridge and the country’s first Cable-Stayed Anji Rail Bridge, inaugurated today, ensures that J&K gets connected with new aspirations of progress.

He said the skills of our engineers to build Chenab, Anji Bridge and hard work of our workers who carve through the mountains have eliminated the gaps that existed between crown Jewel of India and rest of the country.

He further said that Prime Minister has changed J&K UT in the last 6 years.

“Its holistic development is top priority for Hon’ble Prime Minister and his various policies, speedy implementation and industrialisation has brought the Union Territory to the focal point of growth.

The LG said that PM had lit a new torch of socio-economic revolution in J&K post August 2019. He built strong pillars of economic development in J&K & now laid new lines of destiny in the form of railway lines on it to transform J&K at a new pace.

He disclosed that since April 2022, in the last three years, PM has dedicated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 1.15 Lakh Crore to the people of Jammu Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for ensuring firm and decisive action against terrorism and its ecosystem.

“Operation Sindoor avenged the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and has drawn a new red line. On one hand the unmatched power of our armed forces is ready to protect the integrity of the nation and the other creative power is dedicated for a developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

In a major boost to last mile connectivity especially in border areas, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various road projects. He laid the foundation stone of road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore. He also inaugurated two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44. These projects will ease traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow for the commuters.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs 350 crore. It will be the first medical college in Reasi district contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region.

LG undertakes ride in SPIC on USBRL

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today undertook a ride in Self-Propelled Inspection Car (SPIC) on Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail track from Katra to Nowgam Station, Srinagar. The Rail Link was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.

The Lieutenant Governor inspected all tunnels and bridges on the route and reviewed security and safety measures in place, an official communique said, adding, that LG also interacted with pilots and railways officials and expressed his happiness and pride on Kashmir’s all weather railway connectivity with the rest of India.

During his journey, the LG was accompanied by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw.

 

“Train connectivity will transform tourism, boost trade, improve mobility”

KATRA: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today hailed the rail-link of Kashmir with the rest of the country as a “historic accomplishment,” stating that the development will boost tourism, trade and bring comfort in the daily lives of people of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Chief Minister was addressing a large gathering at Katra during the inauguration of the Chenab and Anji Bridges and at the flagging off ceremony of the Vande Bharat Train to Kashmir by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This marks Kashmir’s first all-weather railway connectivity with the rest of India.

Also present on the occasion were Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union MoS PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh and other dignitaries.

“The benefits to Jammu & Kashmir will be substantial. Tourism will receive a major boost, and the daily lives of our residents will improve,” the Chief Minister said.

He highlighted the difficulties faced by people during inclement weather when highway closures lead to exorbitant airfares.

“With this railway line operational, that hardship will be alleviated to a great extent, offering affordable and reliable transportation,” he noted.

Speaking about the economic benefits, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of better market access for the region’s horticultural produce.

“Our apples, cherries, and other fruit will now find faster and more easy access to markets across the country and even globally. This will provide a significant economic benefit to our growers and traders,” he said.

Lauding Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Chief Minister said that the successful completion of this critical infrastructure project stands as a testament to the Centre’s commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Under PM Modi’s stewardship, yet another critical infrastructure project in Jammu & Kashmir has been completed. We are also witnessing rapid progress on other vital initiatives — the Jammu Ring Road, the Srinagar Ring Road, the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar Highway, and the expansion of both the Jammu and Srinagar airports and the railway network,” he said.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that with the Prime Minister’s continued support, Jammu and Kashmir will soon regain its status as a full-fledged state.

“Today marks yet another momentous occasion. With your leadership and support, we look forward to Jammu & Kashmir regaining its status as a full-fledged state,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal tryst with key milestones in J&K’s rail history, Omar Abdullah recalled his presence at the inauguration of the Anantnag Railway Station, the Banihal Railway Tunnel, and his government’s final event at the same venue (Katra) with PM Modi in 2014.

“You may call it fate, or perhaps destiny, but I have always had the good fortune of being present at key milestones in Jammu and Kashmir’s railway journey,” he said.

Recalling the 2014 event, Abdullah said the LG Manoj Sinha was also present that time as MoS Railways.

In a lighter vein, he said, “Manoj Sinha Ji got promoted and I got demoted from CM of a state to CM of a UT.”

He also recalled that the dream of connecting Kashmir via railway dates back to colonial times.

“Even during British rule, plans were envisioned — such as the proposed Uri and Jhelum railway lines — but they remained unfulfilled. What the British could not achieve, you have made a reality. You have connected Kashmir with the rest of India and, through it, to the wider world. This is a historic accomplishment,” he said.

Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he credited him for being the first to recognize the rail-network to Kashmir as a project of national importance.

“This progress owes much to the vision of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji, who declared this railway line a project of national importance. Since then, the project has seen consistent progress and budgetary prioritization,” he said.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to development, the Chief Minister reiterated his resolve to fulfill the vision of a prosperous region.

“Our government remains committed to the vision of ‘Viksit Jammu Kashmir, Viksit Bharat’ — a developed Jammu & Kashmir, a developed India — and we are determined to realize this goal for the people of our region.”

Concluding his remarks, the Chief Minister extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

“On this historic day, on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to you, Hon’ble Prime Minister. Thank you for your unwavering support and for helping turn decades-old dreams into reality.”

Srinagar: The J&K High Court on Thursday acquitted a man and a woman from south Kashmir for charges of murder and also set aside a trial court order that had convicted the duo and sentenced them to life imprisonment.

A division bench comprising justices Sanjeev Kumar and Sanjay Parihar while allowing the appeals against the trial court conviction and sentence, acquitted Shamim Ahmad Parray alias Koka Parray, son of Ismail Parray of Jablipora, and Mst Gulshana, daughter of Lassi Bhat, widow of Late Farooq Ahmad Parray (deceased), resident of Babapora, Badigam Qazigund District Anantnag.

The division bench recorded “in absence of any such material on record it would be quite hazardous to hold both the appellants guilty of offence U/S 302/34 RPC with aid of Sec.106 Evidence Act on strength of available material and evidence”.

The judges “regretted” their “inability to uphold the 2014 judgment of the trial court”. Accordingly, while allowing both these appeals, the judgment of conviction and sentence passed by the trial court was set aside.

“The appellants are acquitted of all the charges, since they are on bail, shall stand discharged of bail bonds”, they ordered and the reference for confirmation of the sentence was declined and Cr. Ref. No. 05/2014 by the government was rejected.

During the intervening night of 1st and 2nd April 2002 when prosecution witness (PW1) Gull Parray, who being brother-in law of appellant Mst Gulshana, while moving across her courtyard, found its main door locked from outside and also saw a pit having been dug in that courtyard.

On enquiring from her as to where is Farooq Ahmad (hereinafter referred to as deceased) she told him that he has been taken by Army people.

When he entered in her house, he found body of his deceased brother in a corner and on seeing that, (appellant) Mst. Gulshana started crying.

He immediately called the Police party who seized the body. This led to the registration of case FIR No. 79/2002 by Police Station Bijbehara.

It is alleged that during investigation appellants were apprehended on suspicion as there was a buzz in the area that Mst. Gulshana was having illicit relations with Shamim Ahmad Parray @ Kuka Parray.

“In order to eliminate the deceased from their discourse, she facilitated entry of co-appellant in her house without the knowledge of the deceased and when the later, entered in his house, the co-appellant (Shamim Ahmad @ Koka Parray) who had already hid himself in the eastern corner, he hit the deceased on head by pestle (Chhota) and later on throttled him to death”, the prosecution said.

It alleged that the pestle was recovered at the disclosure of Shamim Ahmad Parray and both the appellants narrated the sequence of events leading to the demise of the deceased.

During investigation an Identity Card of Shamim Ahmad Parray too was recovered from a pit that had been dug in the house of the deceased for alleged burying, but before it could happen PW-Gull Parray had informed the police, it added.

Both the appellants were therefore, accused of having killed deceased with common intention to eliminate him and were formally charged and convicted for offences under section 302/34 RPC.

They however all along pleaded not guilty.

The division bench judgment also mentioned of statements “by defence witnesses (DW) Mohammad Ibrahim Bhat, DW Mohammad Amin Parray and DW Nisar Ahmed Parray. They stated certain relatives of deceased were involved in militant activities and prior to the incident Army had raided the deceased’s house so as to search for weapons and there the two pits were dug, however, nothing could be recovered’.

The judges noted “once the evidence regarding complicity of accused No. 1 is found lacking then merely because the accused No. 2 was present in the house when the body of the deceased was first noticed by PW-1 would not lead to the presumption that she killed the deceased”.

It added “this is because the foundational facts linking her to the commission of offence stood not proved and suspicion howsoever grave cannot take place of proof in absence of legal evidence”.

The judgment read, ”it was urged that when PW-1 enquired from her as to where the deceased is, she is stated to have told him that the deceased was taken by Army personnel”.

It said “whereas, the fact remained that the body of the deceased; was inside the room. Assuming that accused-Gulshana Bano lied to the PW-1 regarding presence of deceased, the question would arise that whether on the strength of evidence available on record could she be lie before PW-1 regarding presence of deceased. To this answer has to be in negative, because if she chose not to tender any explanation in her statement under section 342 Cr.PC. Since, any explanation rendered by her is not a substantive piece of evidence rather it can be used only for appreciating the evidence led by prosecution to accept or reject it”.