The Group of Concerned Citizens, J&K (GCC) has expressed sorrow at the passing away of a GCC stalwart , Ghulam Hassan Kangoo– former Principal Chief Conservator Forests.

Describing GH Kangoo as one of the foremost forest conservation experts of J&K and a highly  dedicated  social activist, GCC recalled Kangoo’s contribution to the working of GCC and his strong commitment to public welfare and public interest.

“Kangoo sahib will be greatly missed in GCC as in society at large”, said a statement issued by the Group.

GCC has also lauded the outstanding services rendered by late GH Kangoo over about four decades to the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir as a forest officer from ACF to PCCF and conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Srinagar, Aug 10: A court here has acquitted two persons in a case registered against them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Budgam in 2022.

The Special Judge (NDPS Cases) Srinagar, Vinod Kumar, acquitted Shahnawaz Qadir Ganie, and Muhammad Ayoub Sofi of Hyderpora after holding that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the alleged contraband was recovered from their conscious and exclusive possession.

The court acquitted the duo of offences under sections 8/20, 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act.

According to the prosecution, the case (FIR No 207/2022) was registered at Police Station Budgam after police recovered 65 grams of charas, 15 bottles containing codeine-based medicinal preparation and Rs 1.39 lakh in cash during a search of a house at Hyderpora.

Subsequently, the prosecution relied upon an FSL report which detected charas in the sampled substance and Codeine Phosphate and Chlorpheniramine Maleate in the sampled liquid.

In its decision, the court noted the serious discrepancies concerning the alleged recovery and possession of the contraband. The Executive Magistrate who supervised the search had stated during cross-examination the contraband was recovered from the house and not from the accused, and that he could not say why the two persons were booked in the case.

This directly contradicted the prosecution version regarding possession, the court said.

Moreover, the court observed that the house was occupied by several family members and that one of the accused did not reside there.

The alleged contraband, it said, was also found at different locations within the room rather than in the direct possession of the accused, making it difficult to draw an inference of exclusive conscious possession.

The court also pointed to discrepancies regarding the weighing of the alleged charas. Witnesses gave different accounts about the place where the substance was weighed, the weighing instrument used and the circumstances of the weighment.

These, the court said, were not merely peripheral variations but concerned material aspects of the alleged recovery.

Consequently, the court extended the benefit of doubt to both accused and acquitted them of the charges.

Advocates Mir Urfi, Waheed Dar, Zia-ul-Rehan, Anil Raina, Aqib Farooq, and Bushra represented the accused.

Srinagar, Aug 10: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V K Birdi today chaired a security review meeting at PCR Kashmir to assess the overall security scenario and review arrangements for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations and other events scheduled to be held across all districts of Kashmir Valley.

The meeting was attended by IG BSF Ftr. Hqrs (K), IG CRPF KOS, Addl. Commissioner SB Srinagar, IG CRPF Srinagar, DIG SSB Srinagar, DIG CID Kashmir, all range DIsG of Kashmir Zone, DIG Traffic Kashmir, DIG IR/ Armed Kashmir, DIsG of CRPF South/North Srinagar, DIG ITBP Srinagar, DIG RPF Kashmir, SSP PCR Kashmir, all district SSsP of Kashmir Zone, Col GS (IS) 15 Corps, SSsP of Railways Kashmir, Traffic Rural Kashmir, CID SB (K), APCR Srinagar, CID CI (K), Security Kashmir, CO. SDRF 1st Bn Srinagar, Traffic City Srinagar, Asstt. Director SIB Srinagar, SP East City Srinagar, SP Cargo, SP South City Srinagar, and other senior officers.

At the outset, IGP Kashmir was briefed by senior officers on the security arrangements put in place to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of Independence Day celebrations and other events. The District SSPs also briefed the chair about the preparations and security arrangements being made in their respective districts with regard to Independence Day celebrations. The IGP directed all participating officers to ensure that all necessary preparations are completed well in advance.

During the meeting, IGP Kashmir reviewed the security arrangements for the various events planned across the valley including rallies and assigned specific responsibilities to concerned officers. The IGP also reviewed the security arrangements for the main function scheduled to be held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, and directed the officers concerned to further strengthen security measures and ensure comprehensive security arrangements for the event.

The IGP directed the participating officers to further strengthen security checkpoints, particularly during night hours, at vulnerable locations and along the entry and exit routes of the city. He also directed officers to intensify area domination and patrolling, particularly in sensitive and vulnerable areas, to maintain a robust security presence and ensure effective surveillance. IGP Kashmir emphasized strict vigilance against elements inimical to peace and security and called for enhanced alertness across all jurisdictions.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment towards heightened vigilance, enhanced inter-agency coordination and effective implementation of security protocols to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of Independence Day celebrations and other scheduled events across the Valley.

Srinagar, Aug 10: In continuation of its sustained drive against drug trafficking and narcotic-related activities, Srinagar Police has attached an immovable property in District Budgam, worth approximately Rs 4 crores, belonging to a notorious drug peddler under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

A police spokesperson said that Police Station Khanyar attached the property of Fayaz Ahmad Dar S/o Ghulam Hussain Dar R/o Ichgam, Budgam, in connection with FIR No. 04/2026 under Sections 8/21 of the NDPS Act.

The attached property comprises a two-storeyed residential house with an attic structure along with 05 Kanals and 17 Marlas of land, bearing Khasra nos. 415/416, situated at Ichgam, Budgam, with an estimated market value of approximately Rs 4 crores.

The property, as per the spokesperson has been attached under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act, 1985, after being identified as an illegally acquired asset, allegedly derived from the proceeds of narcotic drug trafficking.

The attachment is part of the ongoing efforts of J&K Police to dismantle the financial networks of drug traffickers and deprive them of assets generated through the illicit drug trade. Such action reflects the commitment of Srinagar Police to target not only the supply of narcotics but also the financial infrastructure that sustains drug trafficking.

Srinagar Police reiterated its unwavering commitment to the making the city drug-free and will continue sustained and stringent action against drug traffickers, their associates and illicit assets.

Srinagar, Aug 10: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday chargesheeted 10 persons, including two former executive engineers and a private contractor, in an alleged Rs 7.12 lakh embezzlement and fraud case linked to the Lastiyal-Kalaroose bridge in Kupwara.

In a statement issued, a spokesperson said the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu & Kashmir, has presented a charge-sheet before the competent court against 10 accused persons, including nine public servants and one private contractor, in a case relating to alleged misappropriation of government store material, fraudulent release of a security deposit, forgery, abuse of official position and criminal conspiracy in connection with the construction of a steel bridge at Lastiyal-Kalaroose, Kupwara.

He said the case originated from an Open Verification conducted by the erstwhile Vigilance Organization Kashmir into allegations of loss to the State exchequer by the beneficiary contractor in connivance with officials of PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara.

The spokesperson said investigation revealed that the bridge work was allotted to contractor Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone in September 2010, with stipulated completion within three months. The contractor commenced the work after considerable delay, executed only part of the work and subsequently abandoned the project. Departmental store material comprising cement and steel remained unaccounted for/unrecovered, valued at approximately Rs 5.63 lakh.

He said investigation further revealed fraudulent release and encashment of the contractor’s CDR amounting to Rs 73,000 on the basis of a forged communication purportedly issued by the competent departmental authority. The investigation also brought on record alleged irregular release of Bill Deposits amounting to Rs 81,400 despite outstanding government liabilities, besides lapses on the part of engineering and accounts officials in safeguarding government material, enforcing contractual conditions and ensuring recovery of government dues.

“Thereby a total loss of Rs 7,12,150 to state exchequer was caused by accused public servants in connivance with contractor.”

The spokesperson said after completion of investigation, requisite sanction for prosecution against the in-service accused public servants was accorded by the competent authority.

Accordingly, on the basis of the oral, documentary, scientific and other evidence collected during investigation, the following 10 accused persons have been charge-sheeted:

Abdul Majeed Malik – then Helper/Assistant Cashier, PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara; Ghulam Rasool Lone – then Cashier/Senior Assistant, PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara; Mohammad Sultan Sheikh (Retd.) – then Executive Engineer, PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Ajit Singh Chopra (Retd.) – then Executive Engineer, PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Nazir Ahmad Shah (Retd.) – then Assistant Executive Engineer, PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Abdul Rashid Dar (Retd.) – then Assistant Executive Engineer, PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara; Er. Manzoor Ahmad Sumji – then Junior Engineer, PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara; Gh. Qadir Bhat (Retd.) – then Assistant Accounts Officer, PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara; Abdul Hamid Dar – then Assistant Accounts Officer, PWD(R&B) Division, Kupwara; and Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Lone – private contractor/beneficiary.

The spokesperson said all 10 accused persons were presented before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, today along with the charge-sheet and were admitted to bail upon furnishing bail and surety bonds as directed by the Court.

The Court has fixed November 25, 2026 as the next date of hearing.