IO mandated to probe causes, circumstances leading to death

Nasir Azam

Srinagar, Sep 17:  After outrage over alleged custodial killing of a 23-year-old youth in north Kashmir’s Sopore town, authorities on Thursday ordered a magisterial inquiry to ascertain the causes and circumstances leading to the death.

The deputy commissioner Baramulla Dr G.N. Itoo today directed Additional District Magistrate Baramulla Muhammad Ahsan Mir to conduct inquiry into the alleged custodial killing.

“……In exercise of powers conferred upon me as district magistrate under section 176 of Criminal Procedure, Muhammad Ahsan Mir,  additional district magistrate Baramulla is order to conduct a magisterial enquiry in the abovementioned case so as to ascertain the causes and circumstances leading to the death of  Irfan Ahmad Dar Son of Muhammad Akbar Dar R/O Sidiq Colony Sopore,” reads the order.

The inquiry officer shall submit his report within a period of 20 days, the order reveals. The order states that allegations of custodial killing have been levelled against Sopore police.

“There was huge outcry in Sopore and even it is reported in the media that the deceased was picked up by Sopore police on 15-09-2020 and was therefore in their custody,” it further states.

The order further states that SSP Sopore also reported the incident to DC Baramulla vide his no. CRB/ ENQUIRY/176/28631-32 dated 16-09-2020.

As already reported, massive protests erupted in Sopore on Wednesday against the alleged custodial death.

The police, however, claimed the deceased was an ‘Over Ground worker (OWG)’ who tried to escape from their custody and that later his body was found in Tujjar Sharif.

“The OGW while taking advantage of darkness and terrain managed to escape regarding which a separate case FIR No. 71/2020 U/S 224 IPC was registered in Police Station Bomai and during search the body of OGW was found near a stone quarry of Tujjar-Sharief,” the police statement read—(KNO)

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 17: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Thursday said that District Magistrate Baramulla has ordered an inquiry into death of Sopore youth Irfan Ahmad Dar after family contested police statement and said the inquiry would come up with exact details about the death.
Speaking during a presser in PCR Srinagar, IGP said District Magistrate Baramulla has ordered an inquiry to find out how the youth died.
“I believe the youth namely Irfan Ahmad Dar died after felling on a stone. He may have died due to cardiac arrest when he fled during a raid amid darkness. Let the inquiry be conducted to come up with exact details about his death”, IGP said in response to a query.
When asked why authorities disallowed Dar’s body to family, he said in view of Covid-19 pandemic, body was not handed over to family and instead buried at Sonmarg area of Ganderbal district in presence of concerned Magistrate and close relatives of the deceased.
“Earlier there was a written agreement when a militant had killed in Sopore that only 50 to 60 men would attend funeral but a mob of about 2000 men and women turned up. So we had apprehension of big assembly of people may gather at funeral and there was a risk of spread of pandemic. So that’s why body was handed over to family”, IGP said.
He, however, reiterated that Irfan was an Over Ground Worker (OGW) of militants from whose possession two hand grenades were recovered and that he was taken for more recovery during the night after which he fled during darkness.
The family members of the deceased youth have alleged that he was killed in custody by police and have demanded a probe into his killing and punishment to the guilty.
Sopore area of Baramulla witnessed massive protests against the death of Irfan and the mobile internet remained suspended in the apple town for the second consecutive day today. (KNS)

‘We won’t back down from taking any big, tough step’

Agencies

New Delhi, Sept 17:  No power on earth can stop Indian soldiers from patrolling along the normal routes, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday in response to questions that Chinese troops were blocking the Indian Army patrols along the disputed boundary in eastern Ladakh.

“Patrolling patterns are traditional and well-defined. No force on earth can stop our soldiers from patrolling and our soldiers have sacrificed their lives for that. There will be no change in the patrolling pattern,” he said to a question from former Defence Minister A.K. Antony. Face-offs happened because patrols were interrupted, he noted.

“Starting a war is within one’s reach, but its outcome cannot be predicted. India has always sent out a message of peace. However, it is amazed that efforts are being made to disturb that peace,” he said.

Singh pointed out that the country had fought many wars and “however big the challenge, we stand united.”

He said he cannot say more due to sensitivities around operational requirements. “The morale and motivation of the armed forces was very high. This time also, our soldiers have chosen patience and courage over aggression,” he said.

Singh said that China had undertaken significant infrastructure construction activity that enhanced their deployment capabilities in the border areas. In response, the India too had stepped up the budget for border infrastructure development to double the previous levels. As a result, more roads and bridges have been completed in the border areas. “In the coming years too, the government remains committed to this objective. We will not back down from taking any big and tough step in the interest of our country.”

CS  calls for stronger MIS linkage between PMAY-G and PMAY-U

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Sept 17:  Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam Thursday chaired the 8th meeting of State Level Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- Urban (PMAY-U) Mission.

Administrative Secretaries of Finance, Housing & Urban Development and Revenue, besides Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation and concerned Heads of Departments participated in the meeting.

The Chief Secretary reviewed the progress achieved under the four verticals of PMAY-U namely Beneficiary Led Individual House Construction or Enhancement (BLC), Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP), Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) and In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR). It was informed that as per the revised survey, the department of Housing & Urban Development has sanctioned 55,155 houses under these four verticals.

It was informed that the Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has allowed Jammu & Kashmir to extend the benefits under PMAY-U Mission to villages falling under Notified Planning/ Development areas under the jurisdiction of Industrial Development Authority, Special Area Development Authority, Urban Development Authority or any such authority which is entrusted with the function of urban planning. The Chief Secretary impressed upon the officers to develop a strong MIS linkage between PMAY-G and PMAY-U to avoid duplication of beneficiaries in the cases where such extension is provided.

The Chief Secretary approved the Department’s consolidation of demand survey in all 78 cities and towns of the Union Territory. The survey which identifies 79,331 households under various components of the mission has verified and revalidated the eligibility of the identified beneficiaries.

Taking into consideration the difficulties faced by the beneficiaries from weaker section in constructing the dwelling unit without any upfront financial assistance, Chief Secretary asked the Department to provide initial assistance comprising 25% of the total assistance in advance to the beneficiaries of BLC category, subject to fulfilling of the  condition of initial geo-tagging and judicial undertaking by the beneficiary.

Further, the SLSMC also approved 130 DPRs comprising 20,753 beneficiaries under BLC category under PMAY-U, with a total financial implication of Rs. 1128.32 crore. The Chief Secretary impressed upon the Department to initiate the process of tendering for works under subsequent phases to ensure adherence to project timelines.

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Sept 17: The government Thursday accorded sanction of Rs. 50 Crore with Rs. 2.50 Crore in favour of each District Development Commissioner for completion of ongoing works undertaken during Back to Village Programme (B2V1 & B2V2).

The order in this regard was issued by the Finance Department today.

The order further directs that list of ongoing works undertaken during 2019-20 under “Back to Village Progamme” (B2V1 & B2V2) shall be furnished to the Finance Department for further release through BEAMS. It further says that any Panchayat having no approved work during Back to Village Programme (B2V1 & B2V2), one work shall be taken up immediately out of available funds under 14′ FC Grants as per existing scheme guidelines.

The order also directs for monitoring of projects through PULSE (Android Mobile App) and Geo Tagging and l00% physical verification by DSEO’s to ensure transparency and accountability of at each level. Dash Board for projects and monitoring shall be put in place with respect to B2V works identified under the programme during 2019-20 & 2020-21 and shall be displayed in public domain to be monitored by respective PRIs and District Development Commissioners, the order reads.

Further a central repository shall be maintained by Rural Development Department and Planning, Development and Monitoring Department. Comprehensive Assets Register for the village shall be maintained for transparency and shall be made available in public domain.

The District Statistical & Evaluation Officers of each District shall physically monitor and evaluate each work to be executed and furnish monthly reports to the Finance Department, the order further mentions.

Planning to have Panchayat, Block and District level plans as building blocks

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Sept 17:  In a marathon preparatory budget meeting cum workshop conducted by the Finance department the Chief Secretary of J&K, BVR Subrahmanyam today directed the district administration to make Panchayats and local bodies the units of their respective plan formulation as per the 73rd and 74thamendment of the Constitution.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that all plans should be the sum total of the needs and aspirations of people and represent their suggestions as well. He maintained that it will ensure creation of assets that are conceived by locals and therefore has a greater sense of ownership attached to them.

The CS also directed that release of district plan funds should be made simple and Deputy Commissioners to be fully made involved in the planning process to set priorities within the district as per people’s demand and developmental requirements.

Financial Commissioner Finance, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta said that the workshop is the prelude to the original motive of making planning a people-centric activity. He said that the workshop has been conducted to sensitize Deputy Commissioners about the whole planning process that should be participatory and aspiring as per ground needs of people at large.

The FC said that DCs should identify the projects to be taken up during the annual plans. He further asked them that they will be informed beforehand about envelope of each component of district budget so that they had a ample preparatory window to plan prudently.

Dr Mehta further stated that J&K is on the mission of fully strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions and the budget 2021-22 would be a dedicated exercise towards that.

He asked the officers to coordinate well with each other so that fund release is timely. He urged that there is a need for monthly review of plans and continuous communication between the district administration and Civil Secretariat.

He directed all the Deputy Commissioners to review their next year plans in entirety, do needs assessment and communicate problems for timely resolution.

Principal Secretary, H&UDD, Dheeraj Gupta; Principal Secretary, PWD, Shailendra Kumar; DG Budget, Mohammad Yaqoob Itoo; DG Expenditure Division II, Tariq Ahmad Khan; DG(PP), Shehzada Bilal Ahmad, Joint Director Resources, Shoukat Hussain, Deputy Director Budget, Shafat Yehya were present in the meeting.

All Deputy Commissioners of J&K and DG Expenditure Division I, Ajay Kumar Sharma and many other Jammu based officers and officials participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

Both the Principal Secretaries gave their valuable suggestions regarding making the planning process more effective and expenditure oriented. They besides gave inputs to create a robust mechanism for reaping better results on ground.

The DC’s were also directed to gear up for the B2V3 program as the same was termed as a festival of transparency and transformation.

Ishtiyaq Ahmad

Srinagar, Sept 17:  Tightening the noose around corrupt officials, the administration has directed departments to ensure completion of inquiries in corruption cases within three months and share its outcome with the General Administration Department (Vigilance).

The government has told departments that it has been noticed that the guidelines and procedures to be adopted in departmental inquiries are not being followed by departments, which defeats the very purpose of investigation by the investigating agencies.

“In some cases it has been observed that after receiving recommendations from the investigating agencies, the department instead of serving charge-sheet to the delinquent public servants choose to appoint inquiry officer or constitute inquiry committee of their level to decide the matter, which is unnecessary uncalled for and often seen as a delaying tactic to avoid conclusion of departmental inquiries. In many other cases, it has been observed that even after the conclusion of departmental proceedings, government orders are not issued,” read the directions.

The departments have also been directed that they should monitor each departmental inquiry carefully to ensure its completion within three months and its outcome shared with the General Administration Department (Vigilance).

The investigating agencies Anti-Corruption Bureau or Crime Branch in many cases recommend department action against delinquent public servants pursuant to which the departments are required to initiate departmental proceedings in accordance with the rules.

A GAD official said anti-graft bodies have recommended strict action against those officers who are trying to shield tainted officials.

“It has been found that officers in various departments are not acting on recommendations of investigating agencies instead resort to delay dallying tactics,” he said.

The anti-graft bodies were working under Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, which has been replaced by Centre’s Prevention of Corruption Act as per J&K Reorganisation Act 2019.

There are certain provisions under this new Act which empowers anti-graft bodies to fight with corruption in the new Union Territory.

“In order to influence a public servant, by corrupt or illegal means, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall be not less than three year but may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine,” the Act reads.

Under this Act, abatement by a public servant of offences shall be punishable with imprisonment not less than six months but which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine. (KINS).

Srinagar, Sept 17:  Former minister and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Naeem Akhtar said that he has been released from detention after 407 days on Thursday.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter Naeem, who was also official spokesperson of PDP-BJP coalition government said “  After 407 days of detention am informed that I am free to move about. Thank you rulers for small mercies while you inflict larger tragedies on our land”.

Naeem’s release came a day after administration allowed PDP to hold first party meeting on Wednesday since August 5, 2019, when centre abrogated Article 370 and 35 A besides divided the erstwhile state into two Union Territories (UTs). A day earlier on September 15 centre informed Parliament that no person is under house arrest in Kashmir. Earlier, PDP was not allowed to hold meeting on September 3 when all roads leading to party headquarter in Srinagar were sealed and leaders were not allowed to leave their houses. Naeem was also not allowed to attend party meeting yesterday.

However, there was no relief for former Chief Minister (CM) and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti who has been detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) in her house which has been turned into sub jail.

All mainstream leaders, including three former CMs—Mehbooba, Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah—were detained on August 5, 2019.

However, Abdullah and Omar were released in March this year. However, majority leaders of NC, PDP and other parties were released from jail only to be put under house arrest though government maintained no person was under house detention.

Meets LG Sinha

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Sept 17:  Army Chief General M M Naravane on Thursday arrived in Srinagar on a two-day visit and took  a firsthand assessment of the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir, a Defence spokesperson said.

“During his interaction with soldiers deployed in the high altitude areas, he appreciated their high morale and complimented them on their response to Pakistan’s ceasefire violations,” defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.

The Army Chief commended the use of technology to ensure effective day and night surveillance across the LoC which has resulted in many successful operations to foil infiltration bids in the recent past.

Gen Naravane reinforced the need to extend all possible support to the civilians residing in the border areas, who are victims of targeted ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army and are facing hardships due to the pandemic.

He later proceeded to interact with commanders and troops deployed in the hinterland, the spokesperson said.

While interacting with jawans, the General highlighted that it was “the dawn of a new era of development, peace and prosperity in Kashmir” and applauded them for their high level of morale and contribution to peace building in Jammu and Kashmir.

He appreciated the high level of coordination amongst all government agencies towards maintaining peace in the Valley and efforts to reach out to the people to overcome the challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Later in the day, he reviewed the overall security situation along with the Northern Army Commander and Chinar Corps Commander.

The Army chief called on Lt Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha and discussed issues concerning the present security situation in the Union Territory.

He assured the wholehearted support of the Army in ushering in peace and stability in the region, the statement said.

Gen Narvane is scheduled to return to New Delhi on Friday.

Agencies

New Delhi, Sept 17: The Enforcement Directorate has made Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Shah’s wife Bilquis Shah an accused in a 2005 money laundering case against him and reported hawala dealer Mohammad Aslam Wani for alleged financing to cause unrest in JK.

The probe agency named her as an accused in its supplementary charge sheet filed in the case on Wednesday.

Additional Sessions Judge Dharmender Rana will take up the matter on November 10.

In the charge sheet filed by ED’s special public prosecutors N K Matta and Rajeev Awasthi, the probe agency said that Bilquis Shah, along with Shabir Shah had received Rs 2.08 crore from Aslam Wani.

It said the claim was based on Wani’s disclosure in the case, where he admitted that “all amounts were in cash and were handed over to Shabir Ahmad Shah and on three occasions to Dr. Bilquis Shah.

The ED said: “She received the said amount knowing fully well that her husband had no known sources of income and this money could not have been obtained through ilicit means.”

It clearly implies that Dr Bilquis Shah was an active accomplice of Shabir Shah in his illicit criminal activities, it said.

She had spent money in excess of her known sources of income towards her monthly expenses, daughters’ education, maintenance of vehicle and investments in financial instruments, it said, adding that this proves illicit money acquired by them was spent on meeting these expenses and investments.

Shabir Shah and his wife Dr. Bilquis Shah by way of criminal activity related to scheduled offences had acquired a huge sum of money through Hawala route from Pakistan and laundered the same by using part of it in acquisition of movable & immovable properties and to meet their lifestyle expenses, it said, terming the properties as proceeds of crime.

The charge sheet added: Dr Bilquis Shah is guilty of offence of money laundering as defined in Section 3 of the PMLA, as she was directly or indirectly indulging in and actually involved in all or any process or activity connected with the proceeds of crime including its concealment, possession, acquisition or use and projecting or claiming it as untainted property accordingly Dr Bilquis Shah has also been arrayed as an additional accused in this Supplementary Complaint (ED’s equivalent of a charge sheet).

The ED said Shabir Shah was the main accused named in the charge sheet as he was the conspirator who had devised the whole scheme of money laundering by obtaining illicit funds from outside India to further the nefarious designs of causing unrest in JK.

Shabir Ahmad Shah was in regular touch with Hafeez Saeed, head of Jamat-ud-Dawa. He was further in regular touch with Mohd. Shafi Shayar, based in Pakistan, whose Pakistani phone number was provided by him to Aslam Wani for collecting the crime money in Delhi on his behalf.

Shabir Shah had taken the services of Aslam Wani on a commission basis plus reimbursement of expenses, to collect crime money from Pakistan at Delhi and to carry the same for onward delivery to him or his wife Dr Bilquis Shah, it said.

Aslam Wani used to receive hawala money from Pakistan at Delhi and carried the same to Srinagar on the directions of Shabir Shah and in lieu of these services, he was paid money by Shabir Shah, it said.

The charge sheet has been filed under sections 3 and 4 (money laundering) of Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

The agency had earlier filed charge sheet against Shabir Shah and Aslam Wani.