Kangan, March 17: The Court of Civil judge/Judicial Magistrate 1st Class Kangan, presided over by Moonis Wahid, rejected the bail applications of Shahnawaz Ahmad Shah, Rumaisa Jan and Dr. Amir Bashir Magray in FIR No. 28/2025 registered at Police Station Kangan, presently under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing, Crime Branch Kashmir.

The accused are facing charges under Sections 316(5), 318(4) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with an organised cyber financial fraud allegedly exceeding ₹51 crore. Shahnawaz Ahmad Shah is a J&K Bank employee.

During the hearing, the prosecution was represented by APP Alyas Khawaja, who opposed the bail applications on the grounds of gravity and magnitude of the offence, examination of prosecution witnesses, the ongoing investigation and the fact that one co-accused is absconding while supplementary charge sheet is yet to be filed.

Investigation has revealed multiple bank accounts linked with the accused, which were lien marked on complaints from cyber police units across different states, besides thousands of UPI transactions indicating a systematic online fraud affecting numerous victims.

While rejecting bail, the court observed that economic offences of such magnitude have serious societal repercussions and require a strict approach. The court further emphasised that societal interest must prevail over individual liberty in cases of organised financial fraud affecting a large number of victims. The court also remarked that the growing menace of online trading and gaming related frauds is creating serious social harm and that such addiction driven schemes operate in a manner comparable to drug addiction.

The court also took note that one co accused is absconding outside the country, further investigation regarding financial transactions and bank accounts is continuing and a supplementary charge sheet is yet to be filed.

Considering the gravity and magnitude of the fraud, the possibility of influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, and the likelihood that release of the accused may lead to dissipation of properties in which the alleged proceeds of crime have been invested, the court held that the accused were not entitled to bail at this stage.

Srinagar, Mar 16: In a pleasant reversal of the usual story, a young Mumbaikar travelled all the way from Dombivli to Srinagar, not for sightseeing, but exclusively for dental treatment.

Months after his December holiday in Kashmir turned painful, he came with his family for treatment follow-up mid-March, leaving as an ambassador for not just Kashmir’s tourism, but health tourism potential.

The 28-year-old Pritam Patil visited Kashmir in late December 2025 along with his five friends.

The plan was to beckon the New Year in Gulmarg.

What had been planned as a dream holiday, suddenly turned into a nightmare: Patil was struck by acute toothache, the kind that refused to subside despite heavy medication.

The friends were now looking at a derailed trip, the one they had planned meticulously months ahead.

Through a local contact, Patil and his friends reached the dental clinic of Dr Shabir Ahmad Shah at Amar Singh College Chowk Srinagar on the evening of 29 December 2025.

The doctor examined him immediately and did the needful: a dental procedure that was impending.

The very next morning Patil was pain-free.

The group resumed their Kashmir tour without missing a single day.

The holiday concluded as had been planned, smooth, exciting, and full of memories of a lifetime.

However, Patil made a stop before heading to airport for return home.

He visited Dr Shah’s clinic again to thank the doctor.

He still had several chronic dental issues, and talked to the doctor about the way forward for a better outlook for his oral health.

Back in Mumbai, and with family, he kept comparing his past experiences with renowned Mumbai dentists to the treatment he received in Srinagar.

The difference, Patil said, was striking.

“The skill was better and the warmth was incomparable,” he said.

Patil made his decision that came as a surprise even for his own family.

He decided to fly back to Kashmir solely for the remaining treatment.

In the second week of March, he landed in Srinagar again, accompanied by his cousin Kunal Adawale.

He checked into a hotel, and stayed for an entire week, visiting the Clinic of Dr Shabir multiple times.

On March 13, the final phase of the treatment was completed to Patil’s complete satisfaction.

“After years of dental work in Mumbai, I can confidently say the expertise and care I received here is unmatched,” Patil said.

He was all praise for his dentist, his saviour.

“Dr Shabir is not just a doctor, he is an artist with a heart of gold,” Patil said.

Beyond the clinic, the Mumbai duo was touched by the kindness they experienced from hotel staff and local people to shopkeepers and even strangers on the street.

Declaring themselves as unofficial but real ambassadors of Kashmir, the duo before heading home said, “We will tell everyone back home about the incredible medical talent here, the professionalism, the honesty, and above all, the warmth of Kashmiri society.”

After leaving Srinagar, the Mumbai family planned to pay their respect at the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra.

Then they fly back carrying not just perfectly treated teeth, but also a bag full of memories and a newfound love for Kashmir.

Srinagar, Mar 16: Government Degree College Ganderbal on Monday celebrated International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Give to Gain’, said a press release.

The programme was organised by College Women’s Development Cell (WDC) to highlight the importance of women empowerment, gender equality and significant role of women in the society.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Shabana Aslam, Convenor, WDC, who also highlighted the significance of the ‘Give To Gain’ theme.

College Principal, Prof (Dr) Fouziya Fatima delivered a special address, sharing inspirational thoughts with the students, while highlighting the transformative power of education in empowering women. The programme featured insightful talks by special guests, Mantasha Binti Rasheed (JKAS), General Manager at the District Industries Centre Ganderbal, and Rukhsana Jabeen, former Director of All India Radio, who were the special invitees on the occasion. The guest speakers encouraged young girls to overcome societal barriers, explore new opportunities, and actively contribute to nation-building.

The event was moderated by Prof. Mehvish from the Department of English, and Dr. Nusrat Iqbal from the Department of Kashmiri, delivered the vote of thanks.

Prof. Nusrat recited the celebrated nazm “Aurat” by Kaifi Azmi.

Two students Imtiyaz Iqbal (2nd semester) and Ifza Binti Nazir (6th semester) delivered thoughtful reflections on the role of women in shaping society.