 Early Times Report
REASI, Jan 19: In a swift and effective action, District Police Reasi have busted an extortion gang operating on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) Ban Ganga track, ensuring safety and justice for innocent pithu operators.
It is pertinent to mention that reliable information was received at Police Post Ban Ganga regarding illegal activities being carried out near the Jalpan Ticket Counter on the SMVD track. Upon due verification which was conducted by psi Rahul jamwal I/C PP Ban Ganga it was found that several pithu operators were being unlawfully stopped and harassed by a local shop worker namely Arshad Ahmed, in connivance with Shankaar Singh alias Dhanu Raja, an employee of M-Tech Innovations, and Bittu Singh alias Babbu Shah.
The accused were found to be threatening the victims with false implication, denial of services and continuous harassment. Under fear and coercion, the victims were extorted with an amount of ?500 each for being allowed to cross the checkpoint.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, Case FIR No. 23/2025 U/S 308(2)/3(5) BNS has been registered at Police Station Katra. All the accused persons have been taken into custody and further investigation is underway.
The whole operation was carried out by I/C PP Banganga PSI Rahul Jamwal and SHO P/S Katra Insp. Ranjeet Singh Rao, under the close supervision of SDPO Katra Dr. Bhishm Dubey, JKPS and SP Katra Vipan Chandran, JKPS.
SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh-JKPS reiterated that District Police Reasi reiterate their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a safe and harassment-free environment for all pilgrims, workers, and locals. Strict action will continue against anyone found indulging in illegal and exploitative activities. |
