Srinagar, June 03: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking and the illegal narcotics network, Police in Anantnag attached a two-storey residential house belonging to a notorious drug peddler under the provisions of the NDPS Act.

The attached property comprises a two-storey concrete residential house constructed over 6 marlas of land, having an estimated market value of approximately ₹60 lakhs.

The property belongs to notorious drug peddler Aasif Hussain Khan alias Soab Don, son of Abdul Gani Khan resident of Anchidora, Anantnag.

The attachment has been carried out under Section 68F of the NDPS Act after following due legal procedure. The property has been identified as having been acquired through proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking and narcotics-related activities.

This action forms part of J&K Police’s intensified efforts to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug traffickers and ensure that illicit gains amassed through drug-related crimes are seized in accordance with law. Such measures are aimed at curbing the drug menace and preventing offenders from benefiting from proceeds of crime.

J&K Police remains steadfast in its commitment to making the district drug-free and urges the public to continue extending support by sharing information about drug peddling and other criminal activities.

Srinagar, June 03: Continuing its sustained crackdown against drug trafficking under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, Police in Pulwama achieved a significant success by apprehending two drug peddlers and recovering a substantial quantity of heroin-like substance at SIDCO Lassipora.

During naka checking at SIDCO Lassipora, a Police Party of Police Post Lassipora intercepted a Tata Mobile bearing registration No. JK13C-7361, driven by Ishfaq Majeed Wani son of Abdul Majeed Wani resident of Mughalpora Cherath, Pulwama, along with co-passenger Reyaz Ahmad Wani son of Mohammad Akbar Wani resident of Looswani, Newa Pulwama.

During search, approximately 17.5 grams of heroin-like substance was recovered from the possession of Ishfaq Majeed Wani and 31 grams from the possession of Reyaz Ahmad Wani, making a total recovery of 48.5 grams. The contraband substance along with the vehicle used in the commission of the offence was seized on the spot.

Accordingly, FIR No. 73/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Litter and investigation has been set into motion.

J&K Police remains committed to its relentless efforts against drug trafficking and urges the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by sharing information related to narcotics and other unlawful activities.

Srinagar, June 03: Continuing the intensified anti-drug campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, J&K Police in Shopian, Anantnag and Sopore have taken coordinated action against illegal cultivation of narcotic crops, leading to the destruction of illicit poppy and cannabis plantations and registration of criminal cases.

In Shopian, acting on specific intelligence, Police Station Heerpora, in coordination with Revenue Department officials, detected and destroyed illegal poppy cultivation in the Amshipora area. The cultivation was found on land belonging to a local resident. Accordingly, FIR No. 46/2026 has been registered at Police Station Heerpora, and further investigation is underway.

In Anantnag, Police Station Achabal, along with the Executive Magistrate and Agriculture Department officials, detected and destroyed an illicit poppy plantation spread over approximately one marla of land in the Achabal area. FIR No. 47/2026 has been registered, and investigation has been initiated.

Meanwhile, in Sopore, a joint team of Police and Excise Department officials conducted a destruction drive in the Panzalla area, where wild cannabis growth was identified and destroyed after completion of legal formalities. Samples were collected and seized for further examination.

J&K Police have reiterated that cultivation, possession, transportation and illegal use of narcotic substances constitute serious offences under the NDPS Act and will attract strict legal action.

J&K Police urged the public to actively support anti-drug efforts by sharing information related to narcotics cultivation, trafficking or abuse, reaffirming their commitment to building a drug-free society.

Srinagar, June 3: The Counter Intelligence Kashmir wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday carried out raids at multiple places across the Valley in connection with terror-related cases.

Officials said that the Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) started searches at eight locations across six districts of the union territory in connection with an ongoing investigation into Pakistan-sponsored terrorist networks, sleeper cells and activities related to recruitment, radicalisation and facilitation of terrorism.

The official said these searches are being conducted in connection with FIR No. 02/2015 registered at Police Station CIK Srinagar under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, Sections 15, 16, 17 and 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Section 7/25 of the Arms Act.

“Based on recent intelligence inputs, technical analysis and sustained investigation, eight search locations were identified, including two in Srinagar, two in Bandipora, one each in Anantnag, Kulgam, Kupwara and Sopore area of Baramulla district,” the officials said.

The investigation by the Counter Intelligence suggests that the suspects were in contact with Pakistan-based terrorist handlers through encrypted communication platforms and were allegedly involved in spreading extremist propaganda, radicalisation activities and facilitating terror-related operations.

The searches are aimed at recovering incriminating material, establishing terrorist linkages, identifying associates, facilitators and overground workers (OGWs), and generating actionable intelligence to further strengthen the investigation and initiate appropriate legal action, sources added.

Officials said that all necessary legal formalities have been completed and search warrants were obtained from the competent court. The operations are being carried out in accordance with established legal procedures with adequate security arrangements and technical support.

The counterintelligence wing of the J&K  Police functions under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and deals exclusively with cases related to terrorism, sabotage, subversion and terror networking in the union territory.

The counterintelligence wing has its own police station where FIRs in terror-related cases are registered and subsequently investigated.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 03: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting at Meeting hall of the DC Office Complex to assess the progress of healthcare infrastructure projects and traffic decongestion measures being executed by multiple departments at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura and Associated hospitals under Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar.

The meeting was attended by the Administrator Associated Hospitals GMC Srinagar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Superintending Engineers of various departments, Additional CEO and Chief Engineer of Srinagar Smart City Limited, Medical Superintendent SKIMS Soura, Executive Engineers of R&B, Mechanical and Hospital Divisions, representatives from Police Housing Corporation, KPDCL, Water Works Division, District Youth Services & Sports Department, Traffic Police, Revenue Department and other concerned officers.

During the review, the Deputy Commissioner took stock of several key initiatives relating to the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, implementation of traffic decongestion measures, enhancement of access to SKIMS Soura through road widening, and identification of land for the proposed new OPD block of the institute.

The DC also reviewed progress on projects aimed at improving sports and recreational infrastructure, library and smart classroom facilities, sanitation and civic services, hostel amenities, landscaping, and overall campus development at GMC Srinagar.

Emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholder departments, the Deputy Commissioner directed the executing agencies to ensure the timely completion of all approved projects. He underscored that the initiatives are important for making healthcare institutions under GMC Srinagar and SKIMS Soura more patient-friendly.

On the occasion, the DC stressed the importance of prioritizing traffic decongestion measures ensuring hassle-free movement of patients, attendants and emergency vehicles within and around the major healthcare facilities. He called for enhanced inter-departmental coordination and regular monitoring to remove bottlenecks and facilitate the swift execution of projects aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving public service delivery.

The DC further underscored the need for sustained efforts towards enhancing healthcare and educational infrastructure, stating that these projects will contribute substantially to improving facilities for medical students, healthcare professionals, patients and the general public.

The meeting was informed that administrative approval has been accorded for the development of a badminton court, basketball court, gymnasium, and reading room at the Girls Hostel of GMC Srinagar. In addition, projects for the establishment of a Reading-cum-IT Room and Indoor Sports Hall at the Nursing Hostel, as well as a jogging walkway, gym and Reading-cum-IT Room at the Boys Hostel, have also been approved. Installation of proper signage across the GMC campus is being undertaken to improve accessibility and navigation.

Progress on the development of lawns at SMHS Hospital and GMC Srinagar, as well as macadamization of internal roads within the College premises was also reviewed. The DC was informed that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) pertaining to the proposed corridor connecting SMHS Hospital with the Super Specialty Hospital, Shreen Bagh and the establishment of a multipurpose parking facility have been submitted to the competent authorities for further action.

Reviewing the status of developmental works at SKIMS Soura, the meeting was informed that substantial progress has been achieved in land assessment and demarcation for the proposed Trauma Centre and hostel facilities. Significant headway has also been made in the development of green spaces, a jogging park, an alternative entry gate and the proposed underpass within the SKIMS campus.

Srinagar, June 3: Personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were widely praised on Wednesday after their timely intervention helped save the life of a civilian who was found unconscious near Zakura on the outskirts of Srinagar.

Officials said a 35-year-old man, identified as Altaf Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar, was found lying unconscious in the area during routine patrol duties.

A patrol team of 28 Battalion CRPF led by Sub-Inspector (GD) Rajesh Kumar immediately responded after noticing the man’s condition.

According to officials, the CRPF personnel administered emergency medical aid, including Sorbitrate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), in an effort to revive him.

Their prompt action proved successful as the man regained consciousness at the spot.

Following the emergency intervention, Altaf was shifted to Sub-District Hospital Habak for medical evaluation and further treatment.

Doctors at the hospital later declared him fit, officials said.

The swift response by the CRPF team has drawn appreciation from local residents, who lauded the personnel for their professionalism, presence of mind and humanitarian approach. [KNT]

Bengaluru, June 3: Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar was sworn in as the 25th Chief Minister of Karnataka on Wednesday at a grand ceremony held at the Glass House within the Lok Bhavan premises in Bengaluru.

Amid loud slogans from supporters, Shivakumar walked to the dais and first paid floral tributes to the portrait of Sri Veera Gangadhara Swamiji, popularly known as Ajjayya, Nonavinakere Ajja, or Veera Gangadhara Ajja. After offering his respects, he proceeded to the podium to take the oath of office and the oath of secrecy.

Shivakumar took the oath while holding a copy of the Constitution and invoked the name of Veera Gangadhara Ajja, the revered seer whom he regards as his spiritual guide.

The swearing-in ceremony commenced with the rendition of Vande Mataram. This was followed by the National Anthem performed by the Karnataka State Police Band. The state anthem was also played during the proceedings.

Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, Shalini Rajneesh, welcomed the dignitaries and guests attending the ceremony. Before the formal proceedings began, Shivakumar felicitated outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by draping a shawl over his shoulders.

Several prominent national and state leaders attended the event, including Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court Vibhu Bakhru, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Congress leader V.D. Satheesan from Kerala, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and other senior Congress leaders.

At the start of the ceremony, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh sought the permission of Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to proceed with the swearing-in.

Following the Governor’s approval, the oath-taking ceremony formally commenced.

The event marked the beginning of a new chapter in Karnataka politics, with Shivakumar assuming office as Chief Minister amid the presence of senior Congress leadership, constitutional authorities, and a large gathering of party workers and supporters.

Srinagar, June 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday assigned the additional charge of the Administrative Secretary, Information Technology and Public Grievances Department, to senior IAS officer Saurabh Bhagat.

According to Government Order No. 1038-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), Saurabh Bhagat, IAS (AGMUT: 2002), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, will also hold the charge of Administrative Secretary, Information Technology and Public Grievances Department, in addition to his existing responsibilities.

The order states that the arrangement has been made in the interest of administration and will remain in force until further orders.

The directive was issued by the General Administration Department under the orders of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and was signed by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government.

The order has been circulated to all concerned departments and senior administrative officials for information and necessary action. (KNC)