Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was critically injured after allegedly shooting himself at the Yatra Transit Camp in Panthachowk on Sunday morning.
Official sources informed that gunshots were heard from inside the camp, prompting police along with other security personnel to rush to the spot.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Head constable C-62 Battalion, a resident of Basani, district Lakhisarai in Bihar, had allegedly fired shots on himself, sources said.
He was immediately shifted to PCR Kashmir in a critical condition for urgent medical attention, sources added.Cognizance has been taken and further investigation started.—(KNC)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday extended greetings on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
In a post on X, Office of CM wrote, “Chief Minister extends warm greetings on Raksha Bandhan, wishing everyone a day of love, unity and cherished bonds.”
The Economic Offences Wing Crime Branch Kashmir has filed a preliminary chargesheet in Case FIR No. 28/2025 under Sections 318(4), 316(5) read with 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, of Police Station Kangan (transferred to Economic Offences Wing) before the Hon’ble Court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, Kangan.
As per the Press Release issued to Rising Kashmir, the CBK said,”The case originated from a complaint, wherein it was alleged that one Shahnawaz Ahmad Shah, S/o Gh. Nabi Shah, R/o Rather Mohalla Kangan working as Probationary Officer, J&K Bank, Branch Kangan, approached him with a fraudulent investment proposal. The complainant was lured into investing in a financial scheme promising lucrative returns through online trading.”
Following the registration of the case, the matter was transferred to the Crime Branch Kashmir for in-depth investigation.
During the course of investigation, it came to light that the accused individuals; Shahnawaz Ahmad Shah, S/o Gh. Nabi Shah, Gh. Nabi Shah, S/o Late Gh. Mohammad Shah, Rumaisa Jan, D/o Gh. Nabi Shah, all residents of Rather Mohalla, Kangan, and Amir Bashir Magray, S/o Bashir Ahmad Magray, R/o Bonizal Haripora Kangan, District Ganderbal in connivance with one another, hatched a criminal conspiracy and cheated hundreds of innocent people to the tune of more than 53 crore rupees through fraudulent and dishonest means, under the pretext of online financial trading schemes.
Accordingly, a preliminary charge-sheet in the matter has been submitted before the Hon’ble Court of Law for judicial determination.
Pertinent to mention here that four accused individuals have already been arrested in the matter.
In a major breakthrough, security forces uncovered a terrorist hideout during a joint search operation in the Kalaroos area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, officials confirmed on Monday, August 4.
The three-day-long operation—jointly conducted by the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army, and Jammu and Kashmir Police—led to the discovery of a stony cave used as a terrorist hideout. The operation culminated in the recovery of a significant cache of Chinese Weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating material.
According to officials, the recovered items include 12 Chinese grenades, a Chinese-made pistol with ammunition, a Kenwood radio set, an Urdu-language IED manual, and fire sticks. The cave was found concealed in a remote forested patch of the Kalaroos area, which has a history of infiltration and militant activity due to its proximity to the Line of Control (LoC).
Officials noted that the timely operation has foiled a potential terrorist plot aimed at disturbing peace in the region. “The successful uncovering of the hideout is a testament to the synergy and vigilance of our security forces. Such joint efforts are critical in disrupting terrorist networks,” an official said.
The forces have intensified surveillance in the surrounding areas to rule out the possibility of more such hideouts and are continuing their combing operations.
This recovery comes just days ahead of the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, a period often marked by heightened security concerns in the Union Territory. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of civilians across Jammu and Kashmir.
Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday strongly condemned the assault on four SpiceJet employees at Srinagar International Airport, allegedly carried out by a senior Army officer last week. They demanded strict action and accountability to prevent such incidents from being repeated.
The incident, which occurred on July 26, involved a violent altercation between the officer and the SpiceJet ground staff when he was asked to pay for excess cabin baggage before boarding a flight to Delhi. According to the airline, the officer brutally attacked staff members at the boarding gate, leaving one with a spinal fracture and others with serious injuries.
🔻 NC and PDP React Strongly
Sarah Hayat Shah, spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), condemned the attack, calling it “gundagardi” (hooliganism).
“This incident took place at Srinagar Airport, where an Army officer was seen brutally assaulting SpiceJet staff member(s), leaving him with serious injuries. It is highly condemnable and shameful. The officer must be held accountable,” she said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Iltija Mufti, PDP leader and daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, also lashed out at the alleged attacker and demanded exemplary punishment.
“How dare this Army officer launch a murderous assault on employees at Srinagar airport simply for refusing excess cabin luggage? His demonic rage left one of the victims with a spinal fracture. @ChinarcorpsIA @adgpi — Please take immediate action to set an example,” she posted on X.
🔻 SpiceJet’s Statement and Legal Action
In its official statement issued on Sunday, SpiceJet confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed with the local police, and the airline has begun the process of placing the officer on India’s no-fly list, as per civil aviation rules.
The airline said:
“The assault took place after the passenger was told to pay for the extra cabin baggage. Four employees were attacked. One fainted on the floor but continued to be kicked and hit even while unconscious. One suffered a spinal fracture; another had facial injuries after being kicked in the jaw.”
SpiceJet also stated that CCTV footage of the incident has been handed over to authorities.
“We strongly condemn any act of violence against our employees and will pursue the matter to its fullest legal and regulatory conclusion,” the airline said.
🔻 Public Outrage and Calls for Justice
The shocking nature of the attack has sparked widespread outrage across social media and political circles, with many urging the Army leadership and Ministry of Defence to take swift disciplinary action and not allow the uniform to shield unacceptable behavior.
While the identity of the officer has not been officially disclosed, pressure is mounting on the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps and Defence Ministry to issue a public response and update on the disciplinary measures being taken.
🔚 Conclusion: The assault has not only raised questions about aviation security and passenger behavior but also placed a spotlight on the need for equal accountability—regardless of position or profession. Political leaders, civil society, and the airline industry are now closely watching the developments, hoping for a transparent and just resolution.
Amid the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra, a remarkable tale of interfaith unity has captured the hearts of many. Two men—Syed Saddam, a Muslim, and Kumar Makkhan, a Hindu—have completed a 2,000-kilometre journey on foot from Porbandar, Gujarat, to Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, carrying the national flag and a powerful message: India stands for peace, brotherhood, and unity across all faiths.
The journey, which took 65 days, began in the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and ended in the valley of devotion. The duo walked side by side through highways, rural paths, and city streets, drawing attention not just for their endurance but for the spirit of communal harmony they embodied.
“India’s First Non-Violent Interfaith Yatra”
Speaking to the press, Syed Saddam said, “I am from Porbandar. This is India’s first non-violent yatra between a Hindu and a Muslim that began from Gandhi’s land. Our aim is to wave the tricolour in Kashmir and promote peace.”
He continued, “We condemn terrorism and call on the government to act decisively against it. We are all one—Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian. We’ve sown the seeds of unity, and one day, it will grow into a global tree of peace.”
“Remove Hatred, Spread Love”
Kumar Makkhan, Saddam’s companion on this spiritual mission, was equally moved by the experience. “This journey has filled our hearts with joy. My brother Saddam is like a second Gandhi from Gujarat—he unites people. Our only message is: replace hatred with love. We are all brothers under the same sky.”
Their walk, he said, was not just a religious pilgrimage, but a call for national integration and human unity.
A Message for the Nation
In times when communal tensions often make headlines, stories like these serve as a powerful reminder of India’s syncretic soul. This 2,000-km walk wasn’t funded by any organisation, nor driven by publicity—it was led by conviction, belief, and a dream of an India free from hatred.
Their arrival in Pahalgam, at the base of the holy Amarnath shrine, was met with warmth and admiration by pilgrims and locals alike. Many saw it not just as the end of a journey, but as the beginning of a national conversation on coexistence.
The Road Ahead
While their yatra has concluded, their mission has just begun. “Wherever we go, we’ll carry this message,” said Saddam. “We want to inspire others to take up the flag of peace—whether they are Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian.”
This extraordinary journey shows that India’s true strength lies in its unity, and that the path to peace may be long, but it begins with small steps—taken together.
In a major push to healthcare development and youth employment, Jammu and Kashmir’s Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday announced the advertisement of 621 new posts in the Health & Medical Education Department.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Minister said the move aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and generate jobs for the youth.
“In line with the vision of Hon’ble CM to strengthen healthcare services and boost youth employment, we are pleased to announce the advertisement of 621 posts in the Health & Medical Education Department,” Sakina Itoo wrote.
The recruitment drive is expected to fill key vacancies across various healthcare institutions in the Union Territory, and will be seen as part of a broader policy focus on expanding access to quality medical care while addressing unemployment.
Further details regarding post-wise distribution, eligibility, and application process are likely to be shared in the coming days through official channels.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains open for traffic despite continuous heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district, officials told Greater Kashmir.
They said, “Jammu-Srinagar National Highway open for traffic despite rains across Ramban district since morning”However, the Khari–Mahoo road in Sub-Division Banihal of Ramban district has been blocked near the Siran railway bridge due to mudslides.
Meanwhile, the government this morning ordered the closure of all government and private schools for today due to rains and bad weather in the district as a precautionary measure.
Bollywood’s newest romantic saga Saiyaara is proving to be the surprise blockbuster of 2025. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, the film marks the debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in lead roles. Released on July 18, 2025, Saiyaara has raked in ₹247.25 crore net at the Indian box office within just ten days — a staggering achievement for a non-franchise film led by newcomers.
But beyond just the performances and the storytelling, a major catalyst for the film’s success has been its music, especially the emotionally stirring title track composed and sung by Faheem Abdullah, in collaboration with Arslan Nizami and Tanishk Bagchi.
Box Office Performance: A Meteoric Rise
According to data from Sacnilk and other trade analysts:
Saiyaara opened strong with ₹21.5 crore on Day 1, followed by an upward trend during the weekend.
It crossed the ₹100 crore mark in just 4 days, a rare feat even for films starring top-tier actors.
By Day 10 (July 28), the film collected ₹247.25 crore net in India, and over ₹404 crore worldwide (gross).
Globally, it earned ₹315.26 crore gross domestically and ₹76.63 crore from overseas markets, performing exceptionally in the UK and Gulf regions.
Here’s a quick day-wise breakdown (India net):
Week 1 Total: ₹172.75 crore
Week 2 (up to Day 10): ₹74.5 crore (Day 10 alone fetched around ₹30 crore)
With continued strong footfalls and little competition, the film is expected to enter the ₹300 crore club soon, positioning it as the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025, behind only Chhaava (₹601 crore).
The Power of Music: Faheem Abdullah’s Breakout Moment
While Saiyaara offers a compelling love story, the emotional resonance of its music is what truly captured the audience’s hearts.
The title track, composed by Faheem Abdullah, alongside Arslan Nizami and Tanishk Bagchi, has become a global phenomenon. Sung soulfully by Faheem himself, the song has:
Peaked at No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Viral 50
Climbed to Top 5 in Spotify’s Global Top 50, with over 4.9 million daily streams
Crossed 100 million YouTube views within two weeks
Trended on Instagram Reels and TikTok across India, UAE, and the UK
Faheem Abdullah, relatively new to Bollywood, has now become a household name, with the Saiyaara title track considered one of the biggest romantic anthems of the decade.
The film’s full soundtrack, featuring music by Mithoon, Vishal Mishra, Sachet-Parampara, and others, also gained critical acclaim, but the title track remains the soul of the film.
The Story: Healing Through Love
Set in the world of music, Saiyaara tells the story of Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a struggling musician, and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a reclusive poet recovering from heartbreak. Their bond deepens through shared pain and creative expression, as they both find healing in each other.
Mohit Suri’s signature blend of romantic intensity, heartbreak, and redemption makes a powerful comeback here, resonating particularly with younger audiences.
Critical and Audience Reception
The film has been praised across the board:
Taran Adarsh (Bollywood Hungama): ★★★★½ – “A stirring musical saga with chart-topping music and stellar lead performances.”
Pinkvilla: ★★★½ – “Beautifully crafted, with emotionally rich storytelling and enchanting visuals.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% positive reviews
Audiences praised the chemistry between the lead actors, the cinematography by Vikas Sivaraman, and the raw, emotional depth of the screenplay.
While some critics noted minor pacing issues in the second half, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive, especially for a film led by newcomers.
Breakout Stars: Ahaan and Aneet
Both Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have become overnight stars.
Ahaan, with his blend of vulnerability and charm, has earned praise for a performance that balances youthful energy with emotional maturity.
Aneet, playing the soft-spoken but emotionally complex Vaani, has impressed audiences and critics alike.
Their chemistry has drawn comparisons to some of Bollywood’s iconic romantic pairings.
Cultural Impact and Global Appeal
The film’s success has outperformed big-budget, star-studded projects, proving that content-driven cinema can still lead the box office.
Saiyaara is now a youth favourite, thanks to its digital buzz and Gen Z relatability.
Internationally, the film’s UK performance crossed £1 million, making it the top-grossing Hindi film in the UK for 2024–2025.
The soundtrack’s success has put Indian music once again on the global streaming map, especially in the non-diaspora audience segment.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While Saiyaara saw minor weekday drops in its second week, the lack of strong competing releases has kept its momentum strong.
Upcoming releases like Dhadak 2 and War 2 may pose competition, but with strong word-of-mouth and musical dominance, Saiyaara is expected to hold its own.
The film is also a favourite for year-end awards, particularly for:
Best Debut (Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda)
Best Music Director (Faheem Abdullah, Arslan Nizami, Tanishk Bagchi)
Best Playback Singer (Faheem Abdullah)
Conclusion: A New Bollywood Benchmark
Saiyaara is more than just a hit—it’s a movement. Backed by soul-stirring music, fresh performances, and heartfelt storytelling, the film has proven that a well-crafted romantic drama can still reign at the box office — even without superstars.
With ₹247.25 crore in 10 days, a record-breaking soundtrack, and two bright new stars, Saiyaara is poised to be one of the most memorable Bollywood films of the decade.
A tragic road accident took place on Tuesday in the Behnipora area of Rajwar, Handwara, in north Kashmir, where a government school teacher lost his life and at least 20 others were injured after a passenger bus turned turtle.
According to eyewitnesses, the bus skidded off the road and overturned while negotiating a curve. Soon after the accident, locals, police, and army personnel rushed to the spot and started a rescue operation.
All the injured passengers were quickly shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara for medical treatment.
Dr Ajaz Bhat, Superintendent of the Associated District Hospital GMC Handwara, confirmed that they received 20 injured persons. “The patients are under close observation. Their condition will be properly assessed before giving any final statement,” he said.
A police officer present at the scene said that the actual cause of the accident is still under investigation. However, he added that it seems the driver may have lost control of the vehicle while taking a sharp turn.
Further updates are expected as officials continue the investigation. The local community has expressed grief over the incident and called for better road safety measures in the area.
