Srinagar, Dec 30: Police on Tuesday said that Police Station Chadoora received a complaint from two parents alleging that their minor daughters were harassed and attacked by an unknown man while returning home from tuition, who sprayed a chemical substance into their eyes, later found to be snow spray.

“Accordingly, FIR No. 209/2025 under Sections 62 and 137 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at PS Chadoora, and an investigation was initiated,” police said in a statement to news agency Kashmir Dot Com.

During the course of the probe, police analysed CCTV footage and other technical evidence, which led to the identification of the suspect. “Questioning and searches confirmed that Raja Furqan, S/O Fayaz Ahmad Khan, resident of Gowherpora, Chadoora, carried out the act by spraying snow spray into the eyes of the victims,” police said.

The police further stated that the clothes and footwear worn by the accused at the time of the incident were recovered from his possession, and that the victims identified him during questioning, following which he was formally arrested.

It also emerged during the investigation that the accused had allegedly attempted similar acts in the past, but was let off by locals after being admonished, as no formal police complaint was filed at that time.

“Budgam Police reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and remains committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of girls and women across the district,” the statement read.

Police advised the general public to report harassment or suspicious incidents to the nearest police station without delay, emphasizing that timely reporting is crucial for prevention and legal action.

Srinagar, Dec 30: At least two children were killed and another critically injured after a tractor hit them at Taad village in Karnah area of Kupwara district, officials said on Tuesday.

An official said that the tractor, bearing registration number JK09B-4871, was being driven by Azhar Ahmad, a resident of Taad, when it struck the children.

Locals immediately rushed the injured to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Tangdhar, where two of the children were declared brought dead, while the third child is undergoing treatment and is stated to be in a critical condition.

The deceased have been identified as Arzoo Bashir (7) and Azan Sajad Qureshi (8), both residents of Taad village. The injured child has been identified as Shahnaz Ahmad Mughal (9).

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the accident.—(KNC)

Srinagar, Dec 30: Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Paul Singh on Tuesday said that the Traffic Police will continue its enforcement and awareness drive with the same zeal in 2026, reiterating that the core objective of traffic policing is to save human lives and reduce road accidents.

Speaking to media persons, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), SSP Traffic Rural said that the deployment of traffic police is aimed at ensuring strict compliance with traffic laws and taking action against violators strictly as per the provisions of law.

He said the mission launched in 2025 will be carried forward in 2026 with equal seriousness and commitment.

SSP said public awareness regarding traffic rules has improved significantly, and people are actively contributing towards safer roads.

“People are becoming more educated and cooperative. We hope that in the future they will continue to abide by all traffic rules and regulations,” he said.

He added that the department will further intensify awareness programmes by organising pledge drives at schools, colleges, sumo stands and other public places. “We will also involve NCC cadets and other stakeholders, hold consultations, and strengthen traffic infrastructure wherever required to reduce road accidents,” he said, adding that every possible step will be taken to prevent mishaps.

Comparing data from previous years, SSP Ravinder Paul Singh said a notable improvement has been observed.

He said that in comparison to 2024, 279 fatalities were reported, while the year 2025 witnessed a decline in fatalities, with 202 road deaths reported so far.

He added that over three lakh challans were issued during the year, generating revenue of more than ₹11.24 crore, besides several vehicle seizures carried out during enforcement drives.

“The sole purpose of these measures is to ensure that precious human lives are saved,” the SSP said, reiterating that traffic enforcement is not about penalties alone, but about building a culture of road safety and responsible driving. (KNC)

Srinagar, Dec 30: Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Tuesday issued a clarification, stating that he had never said that Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi was against the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah.

MP Ramzan said, “At no point did I state that the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, is against the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Blaming certain media outlets for misrepresenting his statements, he said, “It is unfortunate that some media portals have misreported and distorted my statement, creating an entirely false narrative.”

He said the distortion appeared to have originated from a Facebook page named ‘Kashmiristan’, which, he said, is neither a credible nor a reliable source of news.

He regretted that several media portals picked up content from the Facebook page and circulated the “misleading version” without verification.

Clarifying his remarks, Ramzan said the actual context of his statement was related to differences in approach on certain issues, which he said is a natural and healthy aspect of any democratic and political process. “To project this as opposition to the Hon’ble Chief Minister is factually incorrect, misleading and irresponsible,” he added.

Ramzan urged media persons and the public to rely on authentic sources. “My complete and original statement can be clearly heard on the KNS media portal, where there is no mention whatsoever of the Hon’ble MP being against the Hon’ble Chief Minister,” he said.

He strongly advised media outlets to refrain from such misrepresentation and to report statements responsibly, accurately and in their true spirit.

Srinagar, Dec 30: The District Administration Budgam has ordered the immediate suspension of all Virtual Private Network services on mobile phones across Budgam district for a period of two months, citing concerns related to public safety, law and order, and data security.

The directive was issued by the District Magistrate Budgam under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 following a communication received from the Senior Superintendent of Police Budgam. The police report highlighted an unprecedented rise in the use of VPN services over the past few days across various parts of the district.

According to the official order, authorities observed that a significant number of internet users were accessing VPN platforms, which raised apprehensions about their possible misuse for unlawful and anti national activities. The administration noted that VPNs allow encrypted data transmission, conceal IP addresses, and enable users to bypass website restrictions and firewalls, making monitoring difficult.

The order states that such capabilities could be exploited for inciting unrest, circulating inflammatory content, and coordinating activities prejudicial to the maintenance of law and order. It further mentions that encrypted communication may expose sensitive information to cyber threats, thereby posing risks to data and information security.

In view of these concerns, the District Magistrate exercised statutory powers to suspend all types of VPN services on mobile devices within Budgam district. The suspension shall remain in force for two months from the date of issuance unless withdrawn earlier by the competent authority.

The administration clarified that the order has been passed ex parte as it was not feasible to serve individual notices to all concerned. The directive is being publicised through the district website, leading newspapers, electronic media, and by affixing copies on official notice boards of key district offices.

The Senior Superintendent of Police Budgam has been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the order in letter and spirit. Copies of the order have also been circulated to senior civil and police officials for information and necessary action.

The order was issued under the seal and signature of the District Magistrate Budgam on Dec 29, 2025. [KNT]