Ganderbal, June 24: Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday said to have arrested Geology & Mining official while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 10,000.

“Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau received a written complaint, alleging demand of bribe by an official namely Gh Mustafa (D.H), in-charge of the area, Geology and Mining Department Ganderbal,” ACB spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

“The complainant, who owns a JCB machine, stated that he had approached the concerned official for guidance regarding the legal formalities for lifting soil from a particular land.

Instead of providing proper legal assistance, the said official allegedly told the complainant to avoid the lengthy formalities and demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 for granting unofficial permission to lift the soil for three days. He further demanded Rs 10,000 as an advance payment,” the statement reads.

Acting on the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification through a designated officer. “The verification report confirmed the allegations and substantiated that the public servant had indeed demanded illegal gratification,” the statement added.

On the basis of the complaint and verification report, a case under FIR number 10/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended) was registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar. Subsequently, a trap team was constituted, and a successful trap was laid.

“During the trap operation, the accused public servant was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting Rs 10,000 from the complainant. He was immediately apprehended on the spot,” the statement reads, adding that further investigation in the matter is ongoing.

Srinagar, June 24: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday busted illegal sale of petroleum products in south Kashmir’s Pampore. The police seized 18,797 liters of petroleum and registered a case under relevant sections of the law.

A police spokesperson said that acting on credible information about the illegal trade of petroleum products, Pampore Police, headed by Dy SP (P) Shravan Singh, SHO Pampore under the supervision of SDPO Pampore RP Singh, launched a swift and coordinated crackdown on the illegal sale and unauthorized storage of petroleum products in various parts of Pampore town.

He said that multiple locations were raided simultaneously in a well-executed operation. To ensure transparency and compliance with legal procedures, the police team was joined by officials from the Revenue Department (Naib Tehsildar Pampore), Metrology Department, and the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs.

During the raids, he said that a significant quantity of petroleum products — including Kerosene Oil, High-Speed Diesel (HSD), and Motor Spirit (Petrol) — was seized. In addition, authorities uncovered a well-planned and illegal mechanism for the storage and distribution of these materials.

Following precise measurement and verification by the Metrology Department, the total seized quantity was recorded at 18,797 liters, he said.

The accused persons involved in illegal trade has been identified as Mudassir Nabi Dar @ Bolla S/o Gh Nabi Dar R/o Samboora; Danish Mushtaq Bhat S/o Mushtaq Ahmed Bhat R/o Bilal colony Kadalbal Pampore; and Rameez Ahmad Bhat S/o Mohammad Amin Bhat R/o Meej Pampore.

A case FIR No. 68/2025 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Pampore, while as further investigation is going on.

This operation highlights the commitment of Awantipora Police to crack down on illegal trade and safeguard public safety, spokesperson said and reaffirmed that such enforcement drives will continue with full force against those endangering lives and violating the law.

Srinagar, June 24: Srinagar Police acted swiftly to remove a graffiti resembling a foreign flag (Israel) painted on the road outside the main entrance of Imambara Zadibal, ensuring communal harmony and public order.

Police spokesperson in a statement issued here to news agency JKNS reads, Police Station Zadibal received information about graffiti resembling a foreign flag (Israel) painted on the road outside the main entrance of Imambara Zadibal.

Acting swiftly, a police team reached the location and ensured immediate removal of the graffiti to maintain communal harmony and public order, it reads.

Preliminary enquiry revealed the involvement of three local teenage girls (names withheld due to age), all students residing in the area, it reads.

Statement reads, given their age and the sensitivity of the act, their parents were called to the Police Station and the minors were counselled in their presence.

They were sensitised about the implications of such actions and the need to uphold communal harmony and responsible civic behaviour.

Legal action shall follow strictly in accordance with the juvenile justice framework, it reads.

Srinagar Police remains committed to maintaining peace, public order, and communal harmony across the district, reads the statement.

Srinagar, June 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that there was no local involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and that all the terrorists responsible for killing of 26 innocent people were foreigners.

Speaking with reporters in Gulmarg, CM Omar said during the ongoing probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), two individuals have been arrested for sheltering the attackers.

“It is possible that these individuals acted under duress. Although they provided food to the terrorists, it could have been done under coercion. Let the investigation continue, following its conclusion, the chargesheet and other legal proceedings will be presented by the NIA,” CM Omar added.

On Iran-Israel war, the Chief Minister stressed for urgent need for a lasting ceasefire. “The sooner the ceasefire, the better. The conflict lasted for 12 days and caused significant destruction,” he said, expressing hope that the ceasefire would be implemented promptly.

He also highlighted government’s concern for the safety of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in the region. “A major concern for us was bringing back our children who were studying there. At times, planes faced difficulties because the airspace was closed, but today we are hopeful that a large group of our students will return, and after that our evacuation process will be complete,” he said. (KNO)