Jammu, Mar 24: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Jammu-Samba-Kathua (JSK) range Shiv Kumar Sharma on Tuesday emphasised the need for enhanced surveillance along the border areas to check the activities of anti-social and anti-national elements.

He issued these instructions during his comprehensive visit to the border area of district Kathua – aimed at security assessment.

Accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kathua Mohita Sharma; SP OPS Kandi and border, Kathua Mukund besides other senior officers, the DIG Sharma, during security review, met the police officials, Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in the sensitive area.

All the officers and officials were instructed to maintain alertness and professionalism while performing duties on the naka points near the border area and other vulnerable points. They were asked to brief the nafri vis-a-vis sensitivity of their duty. They were directed to remain extra vigilant on their points, which were quite vulnerable from a security point of view.

DIG JSK range instructed all the officers to strengthen all the nakas especially during night hours.

During his visit, DIG Sharma also met the Border Security Force (BSF) authorities for better coordination as a part of the border management system and discussed various security related issues besides imparting necessary directions regarding establishment of joint nakas for better results. He also distributed sweets among cops in view of ongoing and forthcoming festivals and also to boost their morale.

Meanwhile, security forces launched an intensive security operation in Gwala Talab and adjoining areas of Ghagwal along the International Border in Samba district, following a mysterious blast on Monday.

On March 23, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone Bhim Sen Tuti had visited Gwala Talab area to inspect the site outside the former Sarpanch’s residence, where a mysterious blast took place on Monday (March 23).

IGP, joined by senior Police and Border Security Force (BSF) officers, visited the residence of Jai Ram Sharma, former Sarpanch, whose house suffered damage in the explosion during the intervening night of March 22 and 23.

The blast took place just outside his house and damaged the main gate besides shattering the window panes of his house and those of several adjoining houses.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Samba Virinder Singh Manhas said that the former Sarpanch reported an explosion outside his house at 1.07 am. An FIR in this connection was registered.

The teams of forensic experts collected samples from the explosion site to unravel the mystery behind the blast, which created panic among the villagers as the blast site was just 10 kms away from the International Border. Teams of National Investigation Agency and National Security Guard too visited the spot for investigation.

IGP took stock of the situation and also interacted with the officers and villagers.

Jammu, Mar 24: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the availability and distribution of petroleum products across the districts of J&K.

The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Jammu; Deputy Commissioners; senior officers of the Legal Metrology and Food Supply Departments along with the representatives of Oil Marketing Companies.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised about the present stock position of all major petroleum products including Motor Spirit (MS), High Speed Diesel (HSD), aviation turbine fuel, and LPG available across J&K.

Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy, the Chief Secretary directed strict legal action against any instances of hoarding, black marketing, overcharging, or diversion of petroleum products.

He emphasised the need for strict vigilance at all levels to safeguard consumer interests

While reviewing district-wise supply, he asked the Deputy Commissioners to furnish detailed reports on availability and distribution.

He said that no doubt overall situation remains satisfactory but stressed that all eligible domestic and commercial consumers must receive LPG supplies without delay, with priority accorded to genuine beneficiaries.

The Chief Secretary underscored the importance of doorstep delivery of LPG and directed Oil Marketing Companies to maintain adequate stock levels at retail outlets, dealer points, and buffer depots to ensure uninterrupted supply.

He also instructed the Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, to conduct regular reviews with district administrations, maintain close coordination, and keep the higher authorities informed.

He emphasised the need for officers to remain accessible to the public and ensure prompt redressal of grievances.

On infrastructure development, the Chief Secretary directed the Divisional Commissioner and concerned Deputy Commissioners to resolve land acquisition and other bottlenecks to facilitate the early operationalisation of the under-construction gas pipeline.

He asked Urban Local Bodies to prioritise domestic connections once the trunk pipeline becomes operational in the districts of Kathua, Samba, Jammu, and Udhampur.

A detailed presentation by Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA, Saurabh Bhaghat, highlighted that the overall stock position across J&K remains stable while petrol stocks are sufficient for approximately 9-10 days, diesel for 16-17 days, and LPG for around 12-13 days, including transit stock, ensuring uninterrupted availability.

On LPG supply, it was informed that 100 percent domestic LPG demand is being met across J&K, with seamless distribution and no major complaints reported.

Supply coverage stands at about 24 days in urban areas and 35 days in rural areas, with OTP-based delivery systems ensuring transparency.

The Chief Secretary was also informed that a robust monitoring mechanism has been put in place, including real-time tracking and daily reporting of stock positions.

District administrations have been directed to closely monitor supply and distribution, supported by district-level committees and task forces to ensure fair and transparent allocation.

Highlighting enforcement efforts, it was reported that 1418 inspections and raids were conducted across districts between March 17 and 23, resulting in action against violators and seizure of commodities in several cases.

Additionally, over 1000 public grievances were addressed promptly, reflecting an efficient grievance redressal mechanism.

As part of alternate fuel arrangements, all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families are being provided 2 litres of kerosene oil per month through Aadhaar-seeded ration cards under the RCMS system.

The meeting also noted significant progress in streamlining LPG distribution through large-scale e-KYC verification, with nearly 20 lakh consumers already verified.

The process is continuing at a rapid pace to enhance transparency and prevent misuse.

It was further informed that under the commercial category, the Government of India has enhanced allocation from 20 percent to 50 percent of assessed supply, including a general increase and a special incentive component.

Regarding the pipeline project, it was apprised that J&K is compliant with all incentive conditions.

The pipeline is currently being laid in Kathua, Samba, and Jammu districts and is expected to become operational within the next two to three months.

Srinagar, Mar 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday registered an FIR against a former Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) posted in Reasi district and other officials for allegedly misappropriating excess ration and siphoning off transportation funds, causing significant losses to the government exchequer, officials said here.

In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered case FIR No.06/2026 under section 5(1) (c) (d) r/w Section 5 (2) of J&K PC Act Svt. 2006 and 120-B and 409 of RPC in P/S ACB Udhampur against Pranav Gandotra, the then TSO Arnas /Dharmari Reasi as well as then officers /officials of CA&PD Department and others and started investigation.

He said the verification conducted by ACB revealed that Pranav Gandotra while his posting as Tehsil Supply Officer (TSO) Arnas/Dharmari District Reasi from April 2011 to January 2013 has fraudulently received 22298.80 quintals of excess ration, besides an amount of Rs. 103.63 Lakhs (approx.) as transportation /carriage charges in league with then Assistant Directors Trade and Stores, CA&PD Department Jammu and others.

“The said quota was not distributed to concerned depots but was black marketed as a result of which huge loss has been caused to the government exchequer.”

The spokesperson further said, by acting in this manner the then TSO Arnas/Dharmari District Reasi namely Parnav Gandotra and others by abuse of their official positions and in criminal conspiracy with each other, misappropriated the said ration/carriage charges, thereby conferring undue benefit to themselves as well as corresponding loss to the government exchequer.