It was supposed to be just another chapter in the inspiring journey of a small-town teacher who built a coaching empire. Instead, it has turned into one of the most painful headlines in this year’s NEET saga.
On Sunday evening, the Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Shivraj Raghunath Motegaonkar — affectionately known as “M Sir” among thousands of NEET and JEE aspirants — from his residence in Latur, Maharashtra. He is the founder and director of Renukai Chemistry Classes (RCC), a well-known coaching network that helped countless students chase their doctor dreams.
According to the CBI, Motegaonkar was an “active member of an organised gang” involved in leaking and circulating the NEET-UG 2026 Chemistry paper. Investigators claim a copy of the leaked question paper was recovered from his mobile phone during searches. He allegedly received it around April 23 — more than a week before the May 3 exam — and shared it further.
This makes him the 10th arrest in the widening probe that has already shaken the National Testing Agency and the entire coaching industry.
Who is M Sir?
For students in Maharashtra, Shivraj Motegaonkar wasn’t just another teacher. The M.Sc. gold medalist rose from humble beginnings to create a multi-branch coaching empire focused on conceptual clarity and motivational guidance. RCC grew into a major name with nine centres, a strong YouTube presence, and a reputation for producing medical college successes. Many saw him as a mentor who genuinely cared.
That’s what makes this news particularly heartbreaking for his students and their families. One day you’re learning chemical bonding from your favourite sir; the next, you’re reading that he’s in CBI custody.
The Bigger Picture
The NEET-UG 2026 exam has been mired in controversy from the start. After widespread reports of leaks and irregularities, the exam was eventually cancelled and a re-test scheduled. The CBI’s investigation has traced connections from paper-setters to coaching networks, exposing how deep the alleged racket may run.
Motegaonkar’s arrest has once again put the spotlight on the intense, high-stakes world of entrance exam coaching — where lakhs of rupees, sleepless nights, and shattered dreams collide.
As the probe continues and he remains in CBI custody, many are left wondering how someone who built his career helping students could allegedly betray that very trust.
For now, the dreams of thousands of honest aspirants hang in the balance once more — waiting for answers, accountability, and hopefully, a fairer system ahead.
The Nimaz-e-Jinazah of Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, father of Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, will be held tomorrow at 2 PM in Mawar Payeen area of Handwara.
Family sources said Engineer Rashid is expected to arrive at his ancestral village Mawar at around 11 AM tomorrow following the interim bail granted to him by the court to attend the last rites of his father. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh passed away at the age of 85 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi after a prolonged illness.
Large numbers of relatives, political workers, well-wishers, and local residents are expected to participate in the funeral prayers.
Jailed Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid was on Monday granted interim bail by a court to attend the last rites of his father, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, who passed away at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi after a prolonged illness. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The 85-year-old had been undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Srinagar before being shifted to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical care, where he died.
According to the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), the court granted interim bail soon after news of his father’s death emerged, allowing the jailed MP to participate in funeral prayers and perform the final rites according to religious customs.
Speaking to news agency KNS, an AIP spokesperson said Engineer Rashid was expected to arrive at Srinagar Airport around 4 PM.
Engineer Rashid has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terror funding case.
Meanwhile, political leaders, party workers, and people from different sections of society expressed condolences with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, father of jailed Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, passed away at the age of 85 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi late Sunday night or early Monday morning after a prolonged illness.
According to family sources, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh had been battling multiple health issues for a long time. He was initially admitted to a Chest Diseases Hospital in Srinagar and later shifted to SMHS Hospital after his condition worsened. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
On May 2, 2026, doctors airlifted him to AIIMS Delhi for advanced medical treatment, where he passed away despite continuous medical care.
AIP Demands Engineer Rashid’s Temporary Release
Following his death, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) appealed to the Central Government to grant Engineer Rashid parole or temporary bail so he can attend his father’s funeral and perform the last rites.
AIP chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi described the matter as humanitarian and urged authorities to allow Rashid to stand with his family during the difficult time.
“Let a son bury his father,” he said while appealing for his temporary release.
Background of Engineer Rashid
Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in Delhi after being arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2019 in a terror funding case.
He won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Baramulla while remaining in custody and is facing trial under several charges, including provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Earlier in April 2026, the Delhi High Court had granted him one-week interim bail to visit his ailing father in Srinagar. After meeting his father at the hospital, he returned to jail following the completion of the bail period.
Political Leaders Express Condolences
Several political leaders and parties in Jammu and Kashmir expressed grief over the demise of Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh and extended condolences to Engineer Rashid and his family.
Some leaders also supported the demand for his temporary release on humanitarian grounds to allow him to participate in his father’s last rites.
Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh is survived by his sons, grandsons, and other family members.
Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam on Sunday announced that the crescent moon for the holy month of Dhul Hijjah has been sighted in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Grand Mufti said testimonies regarding the moon sighting were received from Kargil and several parts of Jammu and Kashmir.Following the confirmation, he announced that the month of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH will begin from Monday, May 18, 2026. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He further stated that Eid al-Adha will be observed across Jammu and Kashmir on May 27, 2026.Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and prayed that Eid-ul-Adha brings peace, happiness, and prosperity to the region.
Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday called for a comprehensive dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad, saying that any peace process should begin with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. . Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Addressing a workers’ convention, the Peoples Democratic Party president referred to recent remarks made by a senior RSS functionary supporting talks with Pakistan and described the development as a positive step.
However, she stressed that the dialogue should not remain limited to the governments of India and Pakistan alone.
“It should start from Kashmir. It should start from Jammu and Kashmir. This is what our people are demanding,” Mehbooba Mufti said.
She also called for confidence-building measures across the Line of Control (LoC), including reopening trade and travel routes between Uri and Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot.
Mehbooba demanded the opening of more roads and asked the government to return power projects currently managed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
The PDP chief further urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his political influence to work towards a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.
Recalling PM Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore in 2015, she said the Prime Minister has the authority and opportunity to take bold initiatives for peace.
“If PM Modi wants his name to go down in history, then he has a golden opportunity to find a solution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue, heal the wounds of the people, and involve Pakistan in the process,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti also demanded the rollback of strict laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA), saying the people of Kashmir deserve peace and freedom after years of suffering.
She added that people in the Valley want better connectivity with Pakistan, China, and Central Asia, and urged authorities to open routes for trade and movement.
Police on Saturday carried out searches at more than 15 locations across Sopore in north Kashmir in connection with a case registered against the banned outfit Jamaat-e-Islami under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), officials said.. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
According to officials, the searches were conducted in Jamia Qadeem, Naseem Bagh, Krankshivan, Tarzoo, Amargarh, Warpora, Bomai, Boitingoo, and several other areas of Sopore.
The operation was linked to FIR No. 42/2025 registered at Police Station Sopore under sections 10 and 13 of the UAPA.
Police said the searches were carried out after obtaining proper warrants from the designated UAPA court. The operation was conducted in the presence of executive magistrates and independent witnesses following legal procedures.
During the raids, police reportedly seized incriminating material, including literature linked to the banned organisation, for further investigation and examination.
Officials said the action is part of ongoing efforts by Sopore Police to identify and take legal action against people allegedly involved in activities connected to banned organisations and anti-national networks.
Police added that further investigation into the case is currently underway.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Abdul Rouf Fazili of Qamarwari, Srinagar, a retired Deputy Conservator of Forests, noted literary figure, and close relative of the Mirwaiz family.
Remembering him as a dignified and intellectual personality, Mirwaiz said Abdul Rouf Fazili was widely respected for his professional honesty and literary work. He especially highlighted Fazili Sahib’s scholarly interest in the philosophy and thoughts of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and praised his English translation of “Awrad-e-Fatheeya”. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Mirwaiz described his death as a major loss for Kashmir’s literary and intellectual circles and recalled the long-standing relationship between the two families.
The Nimaz-e-Jinazah of the deceased was led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and attended by a large number of relatives, admirers, and people from different walks of life.
Among those present at the funeral prayers was Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, who is also closely related to the deceased.
Mirwaiz prayed for maghfirah and the highest place in Jannat for the departed soul. He also expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, especially Abdul Rafia Fazili, and prayed for patience and strength for them during this difficult time.
Ghulam Hasan Sheikh, a senior Hurriyat leader and former Ameer (chief) of Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, breathed his last on Saturday in Kulgam.
Sheikh, a resident of Tarigam village in Kulgam district, was suffering from prolonged illness and was critically ill in the District Hospital Kulgam. He was reportedly in his early nineties. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He had served as Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir for two terms. His demise has been widely condoled across the Kashmir Valley.
Namaz-e-Janaza is expected to be offered at his native village Tarigam later today.
Bharatiya Janata Party workers and leaders on Friday staged a protest in Srinagar against the operation of wine shops in Kashmir, demanding a complete ban on the sale of liquor in the Valley.
The protest march started from Ram Munshi Bagh in Sonwar and moved towards Gupkar Road, where the residence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is located.
During the protest, BJP leaders and party workers raised slogans against liquor sale and accused the ruling National Conference of encouraging alcohol sale in the region.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
BJP Kashmir unit co-media incharge Advocate Sajid Yousuf Shah said the party was demanding an immediate ban on wine shops, saying the issue was connected to the social and religious values of Kashmir.
He said the sale of liquor in the Valley was against the cultural and religious sentiments of the people and urged the government to respect public opinion by imposing a complete ban on liquor sale in Kashmir.
Police later stopped the protesters from moving further towards Gupkar Road near the Chief Minister’s residence.
Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested 806 persons and registered 724 cases under the NDPS Act during the first month of the ongoing “Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan”, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat said on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, the DGP said the anti-drug campaign, launched on April 11, witnessed a significant rise in enforcement activities compared to the same period last year.
According to the police chief, authorities seized around 667.5 kilograms of narcotic substances, including 5.22 kilograms of heroin, between April 11 and May 12. Police teams also recovered 19,059 units of psychotropic drugs during the operation.
Prabhat said preventive action was taken against drug trafficking networks, with 24 habitual offenders booked under the PIT NDPS Act.
He further revealed that properties worth nearly Rs 41.85 crore, allegedly linked to narcotics trade, were attached during the campaign. In addition, illegal structures valued at Rs 14.75 crore, constructed on encroached land, were demolished.
One of the major actions during the drive involved the attachment of property worth Rs 6.17 crore in Anantnag district, the DGP said. He added that police also identified and attached properties in Punjab and Chandigarh in connection with narcotics-related investigations.
As part of the awareness campaign, Jammu and Kashmir Police organised 2,401 awareness programmes in vulnerable areas and reached more than three lakh people across the Union Territory.
The DGP said action was also initiated against 151 chemists and druggists for alleged violations linked to drug control regulations. Authorities additionally suspended or cancelled 162 driving licences and 92 vehicle registration certificates.
Officials said recommendations had also been made for impounding 10 passports allegedly connected to drug-related activities.
Highlighting the force’s continued anti-narcotics efforts, Nalin Prabhat claimed that J&K Police ranked first in the country in 2025 in preventive detentions under the PIT NDPS Act.
He said the “Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan” would continue with a strong focus on strict enforcement, public awareness, and dismantling drug supply chains across the Union Territory.
For millions of students across India, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is more than just an exam. It represents years of sacrifice, expensive coaching classes, sleepless nights, and the dream of becoming a doctor. That is why allegations that a 30-year-old student from Nashik leaked the NEET paper nearly 45 hours before the examination have caused shock, anger, and deep concern across the country. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The controversy has once again raised serious questions about the security of India’s competitive examinations. How could such an important paper allegedly circulate online long before the exam began? Were messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp used to spread the content? And most importantly, how many students may have received unfair advantage before entering the examination hall?
Here is a detailed breakdown of what is known so far, how investigators believe the leak may have spread, and why this case has become one of the biggest education controversies in recent years.
What Is the NEET Paper Leak Allegation?
According to investigators, a 30-year-old student from Nashik is accused of being connected to the alleged leak of the NEET 2026 examination paper nearly 45 hours before the exam officially started.
The case reportedly came to light after suspicious material began circulating online through private messaging channels and groups. Authorities are now investigating:
How the accused allegedly obtained the paper
Whether insiders were involved
The role of digital platforms
How widely the paper was shared before the exam
The “45 hours before exam” claim has become the most alarming part of the controversy because it suggests enough time existed for organised cheating networks to operate.
Why the 45-Hour Timeline Matters
A leak a few minutes before an exam is damaging.
But a leak almost two days earlier is far more serious.
Experts believe such a long gap could allow:
Full memorisation of answers
Paid circulation among students
Coaching centre solving sessions
Distribution to large private groups
Organised cheating operations
This is why investigators are focusing heavily on the timeline and digital evidence.
How the Alleged Leak May Have Spread
Investigators suspect the paper may have moved through several stages before reaching students.
1. Early Access to the Question Paper
Authorities are trying to determine how the accused allegedly gained access to the paper before the official examination schedule.
Possible areas under investigation include:
Printing facilities
Transportation chains
Storage centres
Insider access points
In many large-scale exam leaks, the weakest point is often human access rather than technology itself.
2. Digital Conversion of the Paper
Once accessed, the paper may have been:
Photographed
Scanned
Converted into PDF format
Shared as screenshots
Digital files spread much faster than physical copies, making them difficult to control once circulation begins.
3. Telegram Distribution
Investigators reportedly suspect that Telegram groups may have played a major role in spreading the leaked material.
Telegram is often used because:
Large groups can contain thousands of users
Anonymous usernames hide identities
Files can be forwarded quickly
Encrypted communication increases privacy
Authorities are now examining whether organised networks used the platform for mass distribution.
4. WhatsApp Forwarding Chains
After appearing on Telegram or other platforms, screenshots and PDFs may have entered WhatsApp groups linked to students and coaching networks.
Once that happens:
Messages spread uncontrollably
Tracking becomes difficult
Verification becomes complicated
Evidence can disappear quickly
This rapid forwarding system is one reason modern exam leaks become so difficult to contain.
Impact on Honest NEET Aspirants
The controversy has deeply affected genuine students preparing honestly for medical admissions.
Many aspirants spend:
Years preparing for NEET
10–14 hours studying daily
Large amounts on coaching institutes
Multiple attempts trying to secure seats
For such students, allegations of paper leaks create:
Fear of unfair competition
Emotional stress
Loss of trust in the system
Anxiety about merit-based selection
Parents have also expressed concern over the credibility of competitive examinations in India.
Why Competitive Exams Remain Vulnerable
The NEET controversy has again exposed weaknesses in India’s examination system.
Common Security Weak Points Include:
Paper printing stages
Transportation routes
Storage facilities
Insider involvement
Weak digital monitoring
Poor surveillance at distribution centres
Experts say that even advanced security systems can fail if a small number of insiders misuse access.
How Investigators Trace Digital Paper Leaks
One important detail often missing from mainstream reports is how cyber investigators actually track leaked exam papers.
Investigators do not only search for the first person who shared the file.
They also examine:
File metadata
Screenshot timestamps
Compression history
Device fingerprints
SIM card records
Cloud backups
Message forwarding patterns
Even when anonymous usernames are used, digital trails can sometimes help authorities reconstruct how the leak spread from one device to another.
This technical investigation may become crucial in the NEET case.
Major Exam Leak Controversies in India
The NEET controversy is not the first major examination scandal in the country.
India has witnessed several major paper leak cases in recent years, including:
The Vyapam scam
SSC examination leaks
State board controversies
Recruitment exam paper leaks
Each controversy has increased public pressure for stronger examination reforms and digital security systems.
What Authorities Are Investigating
Officials are currently trying to determine:
Whether the leaked paper was genuine
How early the circulation began
How many students received access
Whether organised groups were involved
If insiders helped facilitate the leak
Authorities may also investigate coaching networks and digital communication channels linked to the case.
The Bigger Question: Can Students Still Trust the System?
For many students, the biggest damage is not just the alleged leak itself — it is the loss of trust.
Competitive exams are supposed to reward:
Hard work
Merit
Discipline
Equal opportunity
When allegations of organised leaks emerge, students begin questioning whether honesty alone is enough to succeed.
That is why this controversy has become larger than a single criminal investigation. It has become a national debate about fairness, accountability, and the future credibility of India’s education system.
Quick Summary
Key Detail
Information
Exam
NEET 2026
Main Allegation
Paper leaked 45 hours before exam
Accused
30-year-old student from Nashik
Platforms Under Investigation
Telegram and WhatsApp
Main Concern
Fairness of medical admissions
Focus of Investigation
Source of leak and digital circulation
Conclusion
The alleged NEET paper leak involving a Nashik student has shaken confidence in one of India’s most important entrance examinations. While the investigation is still ongoing, the controversy has already exposed serious concerns about exam security, digital leaks, and the growing role of encrypted messaging platforms in spreading confidential information.
For honest students and families, the case is about much more than one leaked paper. It is about protecting the value of merit, restoring trust in competitive exams, and ensuring that years of hard work are not destroyed by organised cheating networks.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq visited the Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam School in Anantnag after eight years and highlighted the importance of balanced education along with strong moral values.
While speaking to students and staff, Mirwaiz said he was happy to finally visit the institution after authorities allowed him to do so following a long gap of eight years. He appreciated the work being done by the Nusrat-ul-Islam Trust for the welfare of students and the wider community. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He said that the main aim of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, whether in Srinagar, Anantnag, or Bijbehara, is to provide quality education together with moral and ethical guidance to young people.
Mirwaiz stressed that education and proper upbringing should go together. He said education should not only focus on degrees and jobs, but also on building good character, understanding responsibilities, and developing human values.
He further said that since its establishment in 1899, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam has never worked for profit. Instead, its mission has always been to make education accessible for everyone. He added that more than 60 percent of the students studying in the institution come from low-income families and are first-generation learners receiving education at affordable costs.
Speaking about the role of parents, Mirwaiz said parents also have a major responsibility in shaping the moral and ethical behaviour of their children along with supporting their formal education.
During his visit, Mirwaiz also expressed deep sorrow over the recent fire incident at a Darul Uloom in Anantnag in which a student lost his life. He said he wanted to personally visit the institution and stand with the affected families, but authorities did not permit him to do so, which he described as unfortunate.
Later, Mirwaiz inaugurated a new business venture on K.P. Road and encouraged young people to earn halal livelihood with honesty, dignity, and hard work. He said no work is small or big, and with sincerity and dedication, youth can achieve success and positively contribute to society.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday reiterated his demand for a ban on alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir, saying action against narcotics alone will not succeed if liquor continues to remain easily available.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a supermarket inauguration in Srinagar, the Mirwaiz said both drugs and alcohol are harmful to society and should be addressed together. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“Cannot Act Against One and Ignore the Other”
Mirwaiz said the government cannot justify taking strict action against drugs while remaining silent on alcohol.
He noted that Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region where alcohol consumption is socially and religiously discouraged.
He also pointed out that several Indian states with non-Muslim majorities have imposed restrictions or bans on liquor due to its social impact.
Referring to developments in Tamil Nadu, he claimed that one of the first steps of the new government there was the closure of hundreds of liquor shops.
Demand for Complete Alcohol Ban
The Mirwaiz stressed that the growing drug problem cannot be effectively controlled unless authorities also take action against alcohol.
According to him, liquor is equally damaging and contributes to the destruction of families and society.
He said the anti-drug campaign would not achieve its desired goals without a broader approach.
Concerns Over Anti-Drug Operations
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also cautioned against what he described as region-biased measures during anti-drug drives.
He expressed concern over the alleged harassment of family members and criticised actions such as demolition of homes for the offences of an individual family member.
He stressed that anti-drug measures should remain fair and not punish entire families.
Earlier Remarks at Jama Masjid
The Mirwaiz said these concerns were similar to those he had raised during his Friday address at Jama Masjid Srinagar, where he had spoken about the increasing threat of drug addiction in society.
Final Word
The remarks come at a time when anti-drug operations are intensifying across Jammu and Kashmir, with growing public debate over addiction, rehabilitation, liquor policy and law enforcement methods.
NEET UG 2026 examination held on May 3. The decision follows damning evidence of a widespread paper leak and “guess papers” circulating on social media hours before the test.
The Decision to Cancel
The Union Ministry of Education confirmed that the decision was taken after a high-level review of investigative findings provided by the Rajasthan Police Special Operations Group (SOG) and other central agencies. Initial probes revealed that nearly 120 questions in the circulating “guess paper” matched the actual exam paper, compromising the integrity of the medical entrance test taken by over 22 lakh students.
“To ensure absolute transparency and protect the future of honest students, the Government has decided to cancel the May 3 exam. A fresh examination will be conducted, the dates for which will be notified shortly,” the NTA stated in an official press release.
CBI Takes Over the Case
To ensure a “comprehensive and transparent inquiry,” the matter has been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The agency will investigate the “paper leak mafia” and the digital trail of the leaked documents, which reportedly originated from a student in Kerala before spreading through WhatsApp hubs in Sikar and Kota.
Protests Erupt in the Capital
Following the announcement, massive protests broke out at Shastri Bhawan and Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and hundreds of distraught aspirants gathered to demand stricter laws against paper leaks and the resignation of top NTA officials.
Key Takeaways for Students
Re-Exam Dates: To be announced soon on the official NTA website.
No New Fee: Students will not have to pay any additional examination fee for the re-test.
Admit Cards: Fresh admit cards will be issued for the new exam date.
Refunds: The government has indicated that original fees paid may be adjusted or refunded as per the new protocol.
The opposition has slammed the government, with leaders calling the current examination system a “symbol of distrust.” Meanwhile, the NTA has urged students to rely only on official channels for updates and to continue their preparation for the upcoming re-conduct of the exam.
A 12-year-old boy was killed and three others were injured after a massive fire broke out at a Darul Uloom in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Tuesday, officials said An official said that the fire erupted at Faizan Baba Hyder Rishi Darul Uloom in Old Mattan Adda, leaving four boys with burn injuries, following which a rescue operation was launched. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
He said the injured were shifted to GMC Anantnag, where one of them succumbed to his injuries.
“The deceased has been identified as Bilal Ahmad (12), son of Mohammad Akbar and a resident of Wadwan, while the injured have been identified as Sabit Fayaz and Sahil Ahmad, both residents of Sangaldan, and Irfan Ahmad of Pahalgam,” the official said.Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident.(KNO)
Omar Abdullah inaugurated several advanced medical facilities at JLNM Hospital in Rainawari to improve healthcare services for the public.
The newly introduced equipment includes an ERCP Endoscopy Machine, Ultra/Doppler Sound Machine, Tissue Processor Histopathology Machine, and Laser Urology equipment.
These medical facilities were established with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from HDFC Bank at a total cost of ₹2.25 crore.
Officials said the new equipment will greatly improve the hospital’s ability to diagnose and treat patients more effectively.
The advanced facilities are expected to strengthen healthcare services and provide better medical care to people from different parts of Kashmir.
The inauguration reflects ongoing efforts by the administration to modernise hospitals and improve public healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah met Amit Shah on Monday in New Delhi, where the two leaders discussed several important issues related to Jammu and Kashmir.
Before leaving for the national capital from Srinagar, Abdullah told reporters that he would raise all major concerns connected to Jammu and Kashmir during the meeting.
Speaking about the demand for restoration of statehood, the Chief Minister said he did not expect the issue to be resolved in a single meeting.
“I wish we could have got our statehood after one meeting with the home minister. If that were possible, we would have got it long ago,” Abdullah said.
He added that he would discuss statehood, business rules, and several governance-related matters with the Union Home Minister.
Abdullah also supported the Centre’s recent decision to give telecom-related emergency powers to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) during situations involving public safety and national security.
He said there was “nothing wrong” with the move because the Lieutenant Governor is responsible for security and law-and-order matters in the Union Territory.
“These powers should remain with the Lieutenant Governor. This is not against the business rules or the Reorganisation Act,” the Chief Minister said.
He explained that decisions regarding suspension of internet or phone services are usually taken by the Home Department, which functions under the LG’s control.
Last week, the Central Government authorised the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise powers related to interception of signals, suspension of telecom services, and decryption of messages during national emergencies or public safety situations.
According to the official order issued by the President under the Telecommunications Act 2023, the LG will exercise powers of the state government under Section 20(2) of the Act within Jammu and Kashmir.
The development comes amid continuing discussions over governance, administrative powers, and the long-pending restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Iltija Mufti on Monday criticised Omar Abdullah over his remarks regarding a possible alcohol ban in Jammu and Kashmir.
The People’s Democratic Party leader said Abdullah’s refusal to prohibit liquor shops on the grounds that Hindus are allowed to consume alcohol in their religion was “illogical”.
In a post on X, Iltija Mufti questioned why states like Gujarat and Bihar — both Hindu-majority states — had successfully implemented alcohol bans if religion was being used as the main argument.
She wrote that Jammu and Kashmir takes pride in its secular identity but described it as “unfortunate and insensitive” for the Chief Minister to ignore the religious feelings of the majority population.
The remarks came after Omar Abdullah addressed the issue while speaking to reporters in Ganderbal on Sunday.
Responding to questions about demands for a liquor ban, Abdullah said his government was not forcing anyone to consume alcohol.
“Is anyone forcing them to drink? You are going to the shop on your own will. Why are you going there? We are not dragging you there. We are not advertising it,” the Chief Minister said.
The issue has once again sparked political debate in Jammu and Kashmir, with different parties expressing opposing views over alcohol sales and public policy in the Union Territory.
Manoj Sinha on Saturday led a large anti-drug padyatra in Anantnag as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K campaign.
The awareness march started from Government Degree College Khanabal and moved through New Basti and SBI Chowk. Thousands of people, including students, young people, local residents, and government officials, joined the rally.
LG Manoj Sinha joined the march around 10:30 AM and led the procession, sending a strong message against drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.
Participants carried banners and placards and raised slogans supporting a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
The rally is part of the Union Territory’s larger campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan aimed at fighting the growing drug problem, especially among young people.
Officials speaking during the event highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking. They said strict legal action, property seizures, and awareness programmes in schools and colleges are being carried out across different districts.
The Anantnag rally follows similar anti-drug marches recently organised in Srinagar and Budgam, showing the administration’s continued efforts to make Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.
Officials said more details and outcomes from the rally are expected later.
