Baramulla, Oct 23: In a significant crackdown on criminal misuse of media credentials, Baramulla Police have arrested Riyaz Ahmad Mugloo for allegedly posing as a journalist to extort money and intimidate individuals and public officials through social media.

In a statement issued here to news agency JKNS, a police spokesperson said, Baramulla Police have arrested Riyaz Ahmad Mugloo for his involvement in multiple cases of extortion, blackmail, and criminal intimidation, wherein he allegedly misused the title of a journalist to threaten and extort money from individuals and public officials through social media for unlawful financial gain, statement reads.

A complaint was received from employees of the Municipal Council Baramulla alleging that the accused had extorted money from them and was demanding additional payment under the threat of publishing defamatory content. Acting promptly, FIR No. 186/2025 under Sections 308(2), 351, and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at Police Station Baramulla, and investigation was initiated, it reads.

During the course of investigation, video evidence showing the accused accepting bribe money was seized by the investigating team. Digital devices and other incriminating materials have also been seized and are being examined to determine the extent and nature of the accused’s online activities and possible involvement in other similar cases, it reads.

It is pertinent to mention that a similar complaint had been received earlier at Police Station Baramulla, wherein a citizen was allegedly threatened by the same individual with uploading videos of his construction work on social media to malign his image. On this complaint, a previous FIR was registered and is already under active investigation, it reads.

Following repeated allegations and verification of his activities, the media organization with which he was associated had already terminated his services a few days ago, it reads.

Both cases are being investigated thoroughly to establish the full extent of the accused’s criminal conduct and to identify any possible accomplices, it reads.

Baramulla Police reiterates its firm commitment to take strong action against elements involved in extortion, intimidation, and blackmail, and to ensure the protection of citizens from such illegal activities, reads the statement.

Srinagar, Oct 23: A woman from Tral lost her life after being hit by a motorcycle near Charsoo, Awantipora on Thursday, officials said.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the woman was crossing the road when she was hit by a motorcycle, sustaining multiple injuries.

He said she was first treated at PHC Awantipora before being referred to SMHS Hospital in critical condition, where she succumbed to her injuries.

She was identified as Khateeja, wife of Ab Majeed Bhat and a resident of Mundoora, Tral.

Meanwhile, officials have taken up investigations into the incident.

Srinagar, Oct 23: Jammu and Kashmir Bureau (JKACB) on Thursday convicted former Junior Engineer Rural Development Department, Sonaullah Wani in forgery and corruption case.

The agency in a statement said that the Hon’ble Special Judge Anti-Corruption Court Pulwama, Dr. Noor Mohammad Mir, delivered a significant judgment in a long-pending corruption case and convicted  Sonaullah Wani, then serving as Junior Engineer, in  Rural Development Department. The case, registered under FIR No. 24/2000 of P/S Vigilance Organization Kashmir (now ACB), for offences under Sections 420, 467, 471 RPC read with Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act Svt. 2006.

It said the investigation conducted by the then Vigilance Organization Kashmir revealed that the accused had forged his Matriculation certificate and service Book, fraudulently altering his date of birth from 08.06.1940 to 08.06.1945, thereby overstaying in Government service for 21 months and drawing undue salary amounting to Rs 2,62,760, causing equivalent loss to the State exchequer. Expert examination by the Forensic Science Laboratory, Srinagar confirmed forgery of signatures and seals, while verification from the J&K Board of School Education established his actual date of birth.

After a full trial, the Hon’ble Court held that the ACB had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt through convincing documentary, expert and oral evidence and consequently sentenced the accused to undergo seven years simple imprisonment and imposed fine of Rs 352,760/- and ordered his lodgement at Central Jail Srinagar, statement added.

It further said that this conviction stands as a testament to the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and promoting integrity in public administration. The Bureau reiterates its resolve to bring to justice all those who misuse public office for personal gain.

Srinagar, Oct 23: Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a meeting to review the preparations for the 2nd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon, scheduled to be held on November 2.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner SMC, Director Tourism, Vice Chairman LCMA, ADC Srinagar, SSP Traffic, Director Health, and officers from departments including Information, KPDCL, R&B, PHE, Youth Services & Sports, and other concerned agencies.

During the meeting, Div Com emphasized ensuring comprehensive arrangements at the flag-off cum finishing spot, including electricity, sanitation, first-aid, and toilet facilities.

He directed the Director Tourism to share the detailed Marathon route plan with all concerned departments for effective coordination of responsibilities and arrangements.

The Director Tourism and SSP Traffic were instructed to arrange an adequate number of barricades for smooth traffic management on the event day.

To strengthen emergency response, the Div Com directed the Health Department to deploy a water ambulance in Dal Lake and instructed the SDRF to keep their boats ready to assist the Tourism Department in case of exigencies. He also directed the Health Department to establish a field hospital at Polo View for post-Marathon recovery of participants and to set up seventeen aid stations along the route, adequately staffed to assist runners.

Commissioner SMC was directed to beautify the Marathon route with potted flower plants in collaboration with SKUAST-K, and to ensure sanitation along the entire stretch as well as dog-catching measures for the safety of participants.

The R&B Department was instructed to ensure a pothole-free track, while arrangements for bottled drinking water and refreshments were also reviewed.

The Div Com stressed the importance of training and sensitizing volunteers regarding their roles and responsibilities during the event.

The meeting also discussed organizing a joint medal ceremony for the Full Marathon (seven hours) and Half Marathon (three hours) at SKICC.

It also discussed arrangements for three-day exhibition showcasing local products by departments including Handicrafts & Handloom, Horticulture, and Agriculture.

To ensure real-time coordination among departments, the Div Com directed the establishment of a Command & Control Centre for the smooth and successful conduct of the event.

Srinagar, Oct 23: As part of its sustained efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from society, Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two drug peddlers in Shopian & Budgam, and recoveredThe cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation have been initiated, official said. contraband substances from their possession.

An official said that during routine naka checking at Dangerpora Amshipora, a police party intercepted one auto bearing registration No. JK03-9305 with three persons on board. However, on seeing the police party two persons fled away from the vehicle while third person was tactfully apprehended and identified as Shakeel Ahmad Das, resident of Waghama Bijbehara. Upon search of the vehicle, 03 bags of Poppy Straw (24 kgs) were recovered. The vehicle used in commission of the crime has also been seized on the spot. Investigation has been initiated to trace the forward and backward linkages of the accused person and to unearth the broader network involved in the trade.

Similarly in Budgam, a police party from Police Post Soibugh at a checkpoint established at Warpora/Galwanpora Crossing intercepted a three-wheeler (Passenger Auto) bearing registration number JK01Q-7851. During checking, 376 grams charas-like substances in grinded form along with 27 grams of the same substance in a disposable bag were recovered from the vehicle. The accused driver identified as Hilal Ahmad Sheikh, son of Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Chodrybagh Sebdan, was arrested on the spot and the vehicle used in the commission of crime was also seized.

The cases under relevant sections of law have been registered at respective police stations and further investigation have been initiated, official said.

Police urged the general public to come forward with any information regarding drug peddling or other anti-social activities in their areas.

Srinagar, Oct 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Administration on Thursday ordered transfers and postings of senior police officers, with immediate effect.

An order issued by Home Department stated, the transfers were made following approval from the competent authority and clearance from the Election Commission of India.

Mr. Girdhari Lal (JKPS 2001), SSP Traffic Rural, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as SSP CIROSE Rammu against a vacant position.

Mr. Amit Bhasin (JKPS 2001), previously awaiting orders, has been posted as SSP Traffic City, Jammu, replacing Mr. Farooq Qesor Malik.

Mr. Farooq Qesor Malik (JKPS 2004), SSP Traffic City Jammu, has been transferred and posted as SSP Traffic Rural, Jammu, succeeding Mr. Girdhari Lal.

Mr. Koushal Kumar (JKPS 2008), previously awaiting orders, has been posted as Dy.CO 18 IR, filling an available vacancy.

The administration said the reshuffle aims to ensure better operational efficiency and strengthen policing across the Union Territory. (KNC)