Srinagar, Jul 05:The Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, of the Crime Branch, J&K, on Saturday filed a chargesheet against five persons for allegedly defrauding banks of rupees 60 lakh by obtaining loans on the basis of forged revenue records and fabricated title documents, officials said on Sunday.

They said the chargesheet has been filed in FIR No. 05/2019, registered under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471 and 120-B RPC, before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, against Sheikh Samiullah, son of Ab Rashid Sheikh, a resident of Arampora, Nawakadal, Srinagar; Ab Ahad Bhat, son of Gh Mouhidin Bhat, a resident of Mufti Bagh, Harwan; Ghulam Nabi Baqal, son of Gh Rasool Baqal, a resident of Saderabal-A, Hazratbal, Srinagar; Mushtaq Ahmad Sofi, son of Mohd Yasin Sofi, a resident of HMT, Zainkote, Srinagar; and Sartaj Ahmad Hakeem, son of Ab Razak Hakeem, a resident of Nai Sadak, Habba Kadal, Srinagar.

In a press statement, an official spokesperson said, “The investigation was initiated after J&K Bank lodged a complaint alleging that the accused had obtained a term loan of Rs. 30 lakh from its Zainkote Branch and a cash credit facility of Rs. 30 lakh from its Residency Road Branch in 2007 by mortgaging properties on the basis of fake documents. The borrowers subsequently defaulted, and verification by revenue authorities confirmed that the mortgage documents and revenue extracts were forged. Investigation established that the accused Sheikh Samiullah in connivance with each other acted in conspiracy to deceive the bank and misappropriate the loan amount.”

The general public has been advised to remain vigilant against economic fraudsters and report any such incidents to the SSP, EOW Kashmir, Crime Branch J&K. Victims of economic fraud may also submit their complaints via email at sspeow [email protected].

Srinagar , July 05: No terrorist body had been seen or retrieved so far in the ongoing cordon and search operation (CASO) in the Chanapora area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, even as security forces continue intensive searches in the locality, officials said on Sunday.

Officials said that a joint team of the Police, Army and CRPF launched the operation in Chanapora following specific intelligence inputs about the possible presence of terrorists in the area.

The area was cordoned off and a thorough search operation was initiated to trace the suspected terrorists. During the operation, security forces have been conducting systematic searches, with additional reinforcements maintaining a tight security grid to prevent any escape.

Sources said that despite reports of suspicious movement during the operation, no terrorist body has been recovered so far. The operation remains in progress, and security personnel are continuing to comb the area.

Officials added that the situation is being closely monitored and further information will be shared as the operation develops.

The joint operation by Police, Army and CRPF was still underway when the last reports came in.

The District Bar Association (DBA) Anantnag on Saturday inaugurated a weekly lecture series aimed at strengthening professional legal skills and promoting academic engagement within the legal fraternity.

The inaugural session, held at the District Bar Room, drew strong participation from lawyers and focused on the theme “Criminal Justice System and the Art of Cross-Examination.”

The initiative has been conceptualized under the guidance of Principal District & Sessions Judge Anantnag, Tahir Khurshid Raina, and will be conducted every Saturday at 3 pm under his supervision. The program is intended as a continuing platform for capacity building and professional development of advocates practicing in the district.

Participants from the Bar appreciated the initiative, describing it as a constructive step toward enhancing legal acumen and fostering closer academic interaction between the Bench and Bar. The keynote address was delivered by senior advocate M D Shawl, who shared insights from his extensive trial court experience.

He highlighted that effective cross-examination depends on preparation, composure, and precision. Stressing courtroom discipline, he advised advocates to maintain calm while examining witnesses and to remain firmly grounded in the facts of the case. 

He also emphasized the importance of visiting the scene of occurrence to better understand case circumstances and strengthen cross-examination strategy. The session concluded with an interactive discussion in which young lawyers engaged the speaker with questions on trial practice and advocacy techniques.

Speaking on behalf of the Bar Association, senior advocate Peer Shafiq expressed gratitude to the Principal District & Sessions Judge for initiating the lecture series and to senior advocate M D Shawl for sharing his experience. He said the weekly program would serve as a sustained learning platform for members of the Bar in the region.