DGP Praises Jammu Police for refunding ₹1.53 crore to 22 scam victims in J&K’s first BNSS-linked crackdown

DGP Nalin Prabhat

DGP was addressing the gathering during his visit to the Police Station Nagrota, where he presided over a function organised by Jammu Police to distribute Rs 1.53 crore among 22 victims of a Rs 2.39 crore job scam.

“It will take some time to stabilise things true to the essence of the new laws. Yet it is happening,” he said, later speaking to the media.

DGP, however, refused to make any comment on the Dachigam encounter wherein three terrorists, who were involved in the Pahalgam terror attack, were killed.

“I’ll remain focused on the event for which we have come here. As regards your queries, the country’s senior leaders have already given statements on that,” the top-cop of J&K responded to the queries about the Dachigam encounter.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone, B S Tuti; DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua (JSK) range, Shiv Kumar Sharma and SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh, accompanied the DGP. The event was attended by officers from the Army, CRPF, civil administration, along with the zonal SPs of Jammu; all SDPOs of district Jammu and SHOs of the rural zone.

DGP Nalin Prabhat, while reaffirming his force’s unwavering commitment to justice, guided by the core principle as laid down by LG Sinha, highlighted the role played by the Police in its outreach initiatives to people in difficulties as “agents of positive change.”

“We do our utmost to reach out to those who are oppressed, distressed or in pain. In whatever way possible, we try to help them, and for those who have no support, we stand with them in addressing all their problems,” he said.

Referring to the multifaceted demands of policing, the DGP likened the duties of the force to achieving excellence across disciplines.

“I often tell my team to aim high – like winning a Nobel Prize in Physics, a gold medal in Mathematics or earning a PhD from a top university. We must be ready to play every role and become instruments of real change,” he said.

He also underlined that no problem in society was disconnected from police work and said it was the mission of police to ensure justice in all such matters.

“It has always been the mission of police to deliver justice in one way or another. Just as Police must bring justice to any individual or section of society in distress, it is equally the society’s responsibility to support police in their efforts,” the DGP said.

Referring to a recent case where fraudsters promised jobs in exchange for money, the DGP called it a “clear-cut case of cheating” and urged the public to stay vigilant. “Why do we often slip on the same banana peel? Why don’t we open our eyes before the damage is done?” he asked.

DGP Nalin Prabhat described the crime as an unfortunate reality that could not be eliminated even with societal awareness. “The first line of defence against crime is society itself. Citizens must stay alert and responsible,” he said.

He reiterated, “The Police always stand by people and will continue to do so in every fight – be it against drugs, gangsters, general crime or terrorism.”

“Every day is a test for the Police and every day we must deliver results worthy of the highest medals,” he asserted.

Commenting on recent legal reforms, the DGP said the government enacted new laws, built around a victim-centric approach. “The aim is to quickly nab the culprits, seize their properties and deliver timely justice to victims,” he added.

DGP congratulated the Jammu Police team for this significant achievement and encouraged all officers and personnel to continue striving for excellence in the implementation of New Criminal Laws-2023 to ensure timely and speedy justice to the victims of crime.

He lauded the exceptional performance of the Investigating team of Police Station Nagrota, led by SHO Nagrota Parvez Sajad, supervisory officers SDPO Nagrota Vinod Kundal and SP Rural Brijesh Sharma under the leadership of SSP Jammu Joginder Singh.

“This breakthrough, the first of its kind across J&K, demonstrates a strong legal and administrative resolve to tackle economic offences and restore public trust. It sets a crucial precedent for future enforcement under the BNSS and reflects the evolving framework of a more responsive and victim-oriented criminal justice system,” DGP asserted.

Earlier, SSP Jammu Joginder Singh and SP Rural Jammu Brijesh Sharma briefed the gathering regarding the sensational job scam and the subsequent quality and quick investigation done by a team of Jammu Police headed by SHO Nagrota, Inspector Parvez Sajad.

SDPO Nagrota and SP Rural closely supervised the investigation to ensure speedy and timely justice to the victims of the job scam by outstanding utilisation of victim-centric provisions available under the new criminal laws 2023.

It was pointed out that in a landmark action under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Jammu Police successfully executed its first-ever property attachment in a high-profile job fraud case, resulting in the recovery and refund of Rs 1.53 crore to victims.

The case revolved around the main accused, Harpreet Singh, a resident of Pallanwala, who posed as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army and defrauded multiple individuals of more than Rs 2.39 crore by falsely promising them jobs in prestigious government institutions such as MES, MoD, and DRDO.

The fraud came to light when Arun Sharma, a resident of Nagrota, filed a complaint on November 6, 2024, leading to the registration of FIR No 293/2024 under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 336(3), 338, and 340(2) of the BNS at Police Station Nagrota, Jammu. The accused was arrested the following day.

Investigation revealed that a sale agreement was executed between Kamaljeet Kour, wife of co-accused Surinder Singh and the accused’s mother, Paramjeet Kour, to the tune of Rs 2,22,50,000 for the purchase of a double-storey duplex building constructed over 8 Marlas of land in Channi Bheja, tehsil Bahu Fort, Jammu. Moreover, an amount of Rs 1,93,50,000 was received by Surinder Singh (co-accused) and his wife from the accused Harpreet through online transactions and cash.

The amount paid by accused Harpreet Singh was the proceeds of crime, collected from innocent victims in lieu of providing government jobs.

Acting on a police plea, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu, passed an attachment order on 18 January 2025 under Section 107(5) BNSS, which was executed by Tehsildar Bahu. A 14-day show cause notice was issued to the accused to justify the source of funds used in the transaction, failing which the property was to be auctioned.

During court proceedings, based on clinching evidence presented by the Investigating Officer, Kamaljeet Kour made a judicial admission that she had received Rs 1.53 Cr from the accused. In a significant development, she voluntarily agreed to refund the amount initially, committing to deposit Rs 50 lakhs within 7 days and the remaining Rs 1.03 crore within two months. Moreover, an amount of Rs 40,50,000, which is a disputed amount, can be proved only during the trial.

The court ruled that the attachment order would remain in effect until the admitted amount was fully deposited. It also prohibited the seller from creating any third-party interest in the property. The SSP Jammu was directed to open a dedicated account for collecting and distributing the recovered funds among the verified victims.

In the first instance, a recovered amount of Rs 75 lakh has been distributed equally among 17 victims through cheques.

“Today, the recovered amount of Rs 78 lakh has been distributed equally among 22 victims through cheques. To date, a total amount of Rs 1.53 crore has been distributed to the victims. This marks the first instance in J&K under BNSS where defrauded money has been returned to victims, exemplifying the law’s focus on justice, accountability and restitution,” it was informed.

IGP Jammu Zone, B S Tuti, also congratulated the team of Jammu Police and urged them to maintain the same level of professionalism, commitment and public service in the future.

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J&K Govt Makes White Aprons, Name Plates Mandatory for All Healthcare Staff in Govt Hospitals

MBBS abroad

The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has issued fresh directions making it mandatory for all doctors and paramedical staff to wear proper white aprons and clearly legible name plates during duty hours in government healthcare institutions across the Union Territory.

The directive, issued through a circular by the Civil Secretariat, cites non-compliance with existing norms regarding uniforms and identification by staff in various institutions.

The department observed that the lack of adherence was causing inconvenience to patients in identifying healthcare professionals.

“All doctors, including those engaged under NHM and Ayush, as well as paramedical staff, are hereby directed to wear proper white aprons and display name plates showing their full name and designation at all times while on duty,” the circular reads.

Heads of institutions, medical superintendents, and chief medical officers have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with these directions in their respective facilities.The move aims to improve accountability, professionalism, and patient satisfaction in government healthcare services.

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Minister Javed Rana Reviews Water Supply Projects in Jammu, Urges Timely Completion of Jal Jeevan Mission Schemes

Minister Javed Rana

Jammu, July 23Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the water supply management and infrastructure development across Jammu Province. The meeting focused on progress of ongoing schemes, particularly under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), and on strategies to ensure sustainable and safe water for all households.

The meeting was attended by key officials including Chief Engineer PHE Jammu, Vikas Sharma, and Superintending Engineers Ajay Sharma and Sunil Gandotra, among others.

During the detailed discussion, Minister Rana underscored the urgent need for early completion of ongoing water supply projects, especially JJM schemes, to ensure the government meets its goal of providing functional tap connections to every rural household.

“It is imperative to respond quickly and efficiently to any disruptions in the water supply network. Our primary responsibility is to ensure every household receives safe and potable water, without delay,” Rana emphasized.

The meeting also deliberated on the regular cleaning and maintenance of water storage tanks—a crucial step in safeguarding water quality and preventing contamination.

Minister Rana instructed concerned officials to ensure proper functioning of filtration plants, which are essential for delivering clean and safe drinking water to communities.


Focus on Sustainability and Community Needs

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to formulating an effective water recharge strategy aimed at replenishing local water sources and ensuring long-term sustainability. The strategy includes measures for rainwater harvesting and restoring natural aquifers.

The Minister also drew attention to the repair of defunct handpumps, which continue to serve as a vital water source in many remote and rural areas. He called for urgent repairs to restore their functionality and ease the burden on piped water systems.

“The Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to effective and timely implementation of these critical water initiatives,” Rana reaffirmed.


The meeting concluded with clear directives to all departments to speed up implementation, maintain quality control, and engage with local communities for better execution of water conservation and distribution strategies.

With the monsoon season underway, officials have been urged to remain vigilant and ensure uninterrupted water supply across both urban and rural pockets of Jammu.


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DGP Nalin Prabhat Reviews Security in Doda Amid Counter-Terror Operations, Calls for Joint Operational Synergy

Nalin Prabhat

Director General of Police, J&K, Nalin Prabhat, IPS, visited Doda district to conduct a comprehensive review of the security arrangements in view of ongoing counter-terror operations and the upcoming events scheduled across the region.

The visit was part of a broader effort to recalibrate field-level preparedness in the mountainous districts of the DKR Range, especially in light of evolving threat perceptions.

A strategic security review meeting was convened at Bhaderwah and was attended by key officers from civil, police, and military establishments. The meeting was attended by DIG DKR Range, SSP Doda, SSP Kishtwar, Commander 9 Sector RR, Commanding Officer 4 RR, and Commanding Officer CRPF. The deliberations focused on multi-agency coordination, domination of vulnerable areas, and integrated intelligence flow to pre-empt and neutralise any security threats in the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar.

The DGP conducted a detailed briefing with field commanders on deployment patterns, current operational challenges, and area-specific threat assessments. Special focus was laid on enhancing grid saturation in higher reaches, securing transit routes, and hardening soft targets.

He also reviewed the integration of real-time intelligence inputs with area domination plans, stressing the need for proactive policing and early-warning systems through community contact and covert surveillance.

Nalin Prabhat emphasized the importance of joint operational synergy between the J&K Police, Army, and CAPFs. He called for sustained high-altitude area patrols, layered checkpoints, and night-time area domination, particularly in infiltration-prone and previously disturbed regions. He appreciated the work being done by the Doda and Kishtwar police in ensuring peace and law and order despite the rugged terrain and recent attempts by terror elements to revive activities in the Chenab Valley.

Underscoring the importance of both tactical readiness and public confidence, the DGP directed officers to maintain a visible security presence in urban centers while remaining agile and unpredictable in rural and forested belts. He also reviewed logistical preparedness, including mobility, communications, and emergency response plans to ensure readiness for any exigency during the forthcoming festivals and events.

20 Engineers Promoted as Incharge Executive Engineers in PWD (R&B); Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Intervenes

20 Engineers Promoted

In a significant administrative development, the Public Works (R&B) Department today ordered placement of 20 Assistant Executive Engineers and Incharge Assistant Executive Engineers (Mechanical) as Incharge Executive Engineers.

This long-pending placement has been made after considerable delay and was expedited due to the personal intervention of Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, who has been consistently advocating for timely career progression and addressing stagnation in the department.

Congratulating the promotees, the Deputy Chief Minister said that this move is expected to streamline the departmental functioning and bring greater efficiency and accountability in the mechanical engineering wing of the PWD (R&B).

He expressed confidence that the elevated officers will contribute effectively in their new roles and uphold the spirit of service delivery and infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir Engineering fraternity extends heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and special thanks to Deputy Chief Minister, who is also PWD (R&B) Minister for their continued efforts in strengthening the engineering cadre.

Power Shutdown Alert: Multiple Areas in Kashmir to Face Power Cuts on 19 & 21 July for Maintenance Works

KPDCL to shut multiple 33KV lines

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, in order to carry out the work of construction of 33 KV Nowbugh Khanda line from GSS Nowbugh via Kuzwara Gowherpora, shutdown of 33KV Nowbugh-Nagam line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Char-I, Char-II, Hafroo and Nagam shall remain off while power supply to Kakawring, Yousmarg, Charisharief, Rakhayee, Tilsera, Badipora, Nagam, Hayatpora, Hafroo, Bizgo, Loolipora and adjoining areas will be affected from 06:00 AM to 014:00 PM on 19 July, 2025.

In this connection, shutdown of 33KV Nowbugh-Chadoora line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Chadoora, Panzan, Ranger, Wathoora shall remain off while power supply to Sogam, Repora, Dawlatpora, Panzan, Lalgam, Chadoora, Chadoora Hospital, Wathoora, Bugam and adjoining areas will be affected from 06:00 AM to 014:00 PM on 19 July, 2025.

Also, in order to carry out the completion of pending works related to commissioning of additional 6.3 MVA Power Transformer installed at Zirpora, shutdown of 33KV Zirpora Tap line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Zirpora, Cheniwudar shall remain off while power supply to Srigufwara, Bewoora, Kanelwan, Darigund, Thajiwara, Dupatyar and adjoining areas will be affected from 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM on 19 July, 2025.

Besides to facilitate preventive maintenance of the Khiram Tap line and Receiving Station Khiram, shutdown of 33KV Khiram Tap line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Khiram shall remain off while power supply to Mehand, Khiram, Sirhama and adjoining areas will be affected from 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM on 19 July, 2025.

Further to carry out Maintenance work of 33 KV O/H Centaur Back up line near Botanical Garden and pruning of hugely outgrown tree branches outside Cheshmashahi Grid, shutdown of 33KV TRC line shall be observed due to which no Receiving Station shall remain off and power supply to none of the areas shall remain affected.

Also in this connection, shutdown of 33KV Centaur-Buchwara line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Centaur & Buchwara shall remain off while power supply to Mammer Zabarwan Park, Centaur Hotel, SKICC, Nehru Park, Dalgate, Dal and adjoining areas will be affected from 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM on 19 July, 2025.

Similarly, the shutdown of 33KV Brein-Nishat line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Brein-Nishat, PHE Dal Bandh shall remain off while power supply to Brein, Tulip Garden, Brein Phallo, Taj Vivanta, BSNL Exchange, Nishat, Foreshore road, Pathan Bagh and adjoining areas will be affected from 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM on 19 July, 2025.

Further, the shutdown of 33KV Centaur-BB Cant. Tap line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Station at BB Cant. shall remain off while power supply to BB Cant.will be affected from 07:00 AM to 01:00 PM on 19 July, 2025.

Meanwhile, in order to carry out Branch cutting and preventive maintenance of 33 KV Pampore-Badamibagh line, shutdown of 33KV Pampore Badamibagh line (Sonwar Tap line) shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Station at Sonwar shall remain off while power supply to Batwara, Shivpora, Indranagar, Badamibagh (Partial) and adjoining areas will be affected from 08:00 AM to 12:00 Noon 21 July, 2025.

Also to carry out works under RDSS Scheme and other maintenance works, the shutdown of 33KV Amargarh Watergam line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Watergam, Hachipora, Hadipora shall remain off while power supply to Watergam, Dangiwach, Hachipora, Hadipora and adjoining areas will be affected from 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM on 19 July, 2025.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah Meets Tour Operators, Seeks Collaboration to Boost State’s Tourism Sector

Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday held a special interaction with tour operators from across the country.

In a post on X, Office of CM wrote, “Chief Minister held a special interaction with tour operators from across the country, highlighting the unique tourism experiences Jammu & Kashmir has to offer.”

“CM  invited them to collaborate in promoting the region and assured full support from the government,”the post reads.

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KPDCL Announces Power Shutdowns in Srinagar for Maintenance on July 2, 5, 6, and 7

KPDCL to shut multiple 33KV lines

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, in order to carry out evacuation of power for GIS Harwan, shutdown of 33KV Burzhama Tap line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Burzhama shall remain off while power supply to Danihama, Khimber, Chaterhama, Tailbal, Burzhama, Gassu, Shoperbagh, Rahbagh, Batpora will be affected from 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM on 2, 5 & 7 July, 2025.

To facilitate works related to maintenance and stabilization of the 33 KV lines, shutdown of 33KV Pampore-Badamibagh Trunk line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Sonwar, Badamibagh, Panthachowk, Lasjan, Flour Mills, Govt. Press, GB Panth Hospital and WSS Tangnar shall remain off while power supply to Sonwar, Indra Nagar, Batwara, Shivpora, Badamibagh, Lasjan, WSS Tangnar and adjoining areas will be affected from 08:00 AM to 01:00 PM on 2 July, 2025.

Also, shutdown of 33KV Khonmoh SIDCO-3rd line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Cement Plants (Khyber Saifco/ TCI Max) shall remain off while power supply to Cement Plants (Khyber SAIFCO/ TCI Max)and adjoining areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM on 06 July, 2025.

J&K Bank Wins Four Cybersecurity Honours at IBA CISO Summit 2025

J&K Bank

Adding another distinct feather to its digital cap, J&K Bank has emerged as a leading winner at the prestigious IBA CISO Summit & Citations – 2025, sweeping four top honours in the Private Sector (Medium Size) category for excellence in cyber security and resilience. The theme of the event was ‘Elevating Cyber Resilience: Protect, Adapt, and Thrive’.

At the summit, the Bank won four major awards that included Cyber Security Transformation of the Year Award, Cyber Security Compliance Champion Award, and Cyber Security Team of the Year Award besides a Special Prize for Cyber Security Incident Response Mastery. The awards, conferred by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) in Mumbai, recognized the Bank’s consistent and robust efforts in enhancing its cyber security posture, protecting customer data, and institutionalizing secure digital banking practices.

The Bank’s CISO Muneer Hassan KongaWani received the awards last week at the hands of the jury comprising of Advisor to NCIIPC/Ex CGM/Group CISO (SBI) Anil Bhandari, CEO (Cyber Security Centre of Excellence, Telangana – DSCI) Dr Sriram Birudavolu and Chief Market Information Security Officer & Data Protection Officer (NPCI) Pravin Kumar. Deputy Chief Executive (IBA) Gopal Murli Bhagat and Senior Advisor (IBA) K Srinivasa Rao were also present on the occasion.

MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee congratulated and commended the Bank’s IT & IS teams for the accomplishment in presence of Executive Director Sudhir Gupta and General Managers. He said, “Cyber security is at the core of our digital transformation journey, and I dedicate these awards to our committed technology and information security teams who work tirelessly to safeguard customer trust.”

“Winning multiple awards at such a prestigious platform reflects the Bank’s strategic direction, collective effort, and commitment of the IT & IS team towards strengthening the Bank’s digital and cyber resilience, particularly at a time when the Bank is expanding its digital footprint across geographies”, he added.

He further said, “As we scale new digital heights, these recognitions only strengthen our resolve to remain ahead of the curve by embracing industry-best digital and cyber practices and ensuring our systems and services remain safe and agile while being compliant”, he further added.

Notably, the IBA CISO Summit attracts regulatory authorities, top dignitaries of banks, CISOs/Information Security Audit Chiefs/Data Protection Officers besides the best cybersecurity providers in the industry and instils competition among CISOs to demonstrate their state-of-the-art security practices, sense of purpose, and brings huge value addition in best practices for protecting their organizations.

KPDCL Announces Power Shutdown Schedule in South Kashmir for Line Pruning Work in June 2025

KPDCL to shut multiple 33KV lines

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, in order to facilitate Branch cutting/ Pruning of trees coming under the alignment of 33 KV Lines, shutdown of several 33 KV lines shall be observed due to which numerous 33/11KV Receiving Stations shall remain off while power supply to various areas will be affected.

In this connection, the shutdown of 33KV Wanpoh Qazigund line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Mirbazar, Vessu, Qazigund, Kund & Chowgam shall remain off while power supply to Mir Bazar, Vessu, Kund, Qazigund and adjoining areas area will be affected from 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM on 10 June, 2025.

Also, the shutdown of 33KV Qazigund Kund Tap line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Qazigund, Kund & Chowgam shall remain off while power supply to Qazigund , kund , YK Pora, Khargund and adjoining areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM on 12 & 16 June, 2025.

Further, the shutdown of 33KV Kulgam DH Pora line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Rambhama, DH Pora & Nagam shall remain off while power supply to DH Pora , Nagam, Rambhama and adjoining areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM on 19 June, 2025.

Likewise, the shutdown of 33KV Kulgam Devsar line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Ashmuji, Kilam, Chumbgund & Devsar shall remain off while power supply to Ashuji, Kilam, Devsar and adjoining areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM on 17 June, 2025.