Banihal, Apr 12: A man went missing under mysterious and alarming circumstances after he allegedly jumped into a stream while fleeing from suspected miscreants along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in Ramban district on Sunday, sparking widespread outrage and tension in the Ramsoo area.
The incident reportedly occurred near Makarkoot, close to Tunnel No. 5 on NH-44, where the victim, identified as Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, son of Abdul Salam Chopan and a resident of Mundkhal Pogal in Ukhral tehsil, was travelling from Jammu towards his native village in a Tata Mobile vehicle carrying a milch cow and two calves.
According to local reports, Chopan was allegedly chased by two vehicles carrying suspected miscreants near Digdool on NH 44. Upon reaching Makarkoot, the attackers intercepted his vehicle, dragged him out, and reportedly assaulted him. Eyewitness accounts suggest that, in a desperate attempt to escape, he either jumped or was forced into the nearby Nallah Bishlari.
Senior officials, including MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan, and SSP Ramban Arun Gupta, visited the spot to assess the situation. The rescue operation is being closely monitored by the district administration.
Police officials said that a rescue operation was immediately launched by Ramsoo Police in coordination with volunteers from the Himalayan Quick Response Team (QRT) after information was received that the man had been seen heading towards the stream before jumping into the water. However, the victim remains untraceable so far.
Officials added that a case is being registered at Police Station Ramsoo, while CCTV footage from the highway is being examined. They stated that all allegations are under investigation and assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved. The district administration has also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading misinformation on social media.
Locals have alleged that Chopan was severely beaten before he fled towards the gorge to save his life, raising fears that he may have drowned. However, no official confirmation has been made regarding his fate as rescue operations are still underway.
The incident has triggered massive anger in Makarkoot and Ramsoo, with hundreds of residents gathering at the site and demanding justice. Political and social leaders, including AAP candidate Mudasir Ahmad Mir and JKNPP leader Iftiyaz Ahmad, condemned the incident, terming it “sheer hooliganism” and calling for strict action against those responsible.
MLA Sajjad Shaheen, while addressing the gathering at the spot, termed the incident highly unfortunate and revealed that it was the fourth such case reported in Ramban district. He said that livestock is an integral part of rural life and emphasized that no one should take the law into their own hands. He added that the administration has assured a thorough probe through a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and strict punishment for the culprits. He also warned that he would lead protests if justice is not delivered.
Meanwhile, President Beopar Mandal Banihal, Engineer Shadab Wani, has announced a one-day strike in Banihal on Monday in protest against the incident.
