Vinod Bhat

New Delhi:Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today.

Shri Modi said that being among innovators, researchers, and technology enthusiasts, highlights the extraordinary potential of Artificial Intelligence, Indian talent, and innovation. He emphasized that India’s progress in AI will not only shape transformative solutions for the nation but also contribute to global advancement.

In a post on X, Shri Modi stated:

“Inaugurated the India AI Impact Expo 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.

Being here among innovators, researchers and tech enthusiasts gives a glimpse of the extraordinary potential of AI, Indian talent and innovation. Together, we will shape solutions not just for India but for the world!”

Touseef Wani

Ganderbal, Feb 16 : In one of the biggest cyber fraud crackdowns in Jammu and Kashmir, police have unearthed a massive transnational online investment scam involving over ₹209 crore, with a Haryana-based MBBS doctor identified as the alleged kingpin among nine persons arrested so far.

Police successful cracked a transnational multi-crore online investment scam operating through phishing and fake trading platforms.

The case was registered at Police Station Ganderbal following a complaint by a citizen of Safapora, Ganderbal.

Accordingly, FIR No. 08/2026 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act was lodged to investigate allegations of identity theft and online cheating by a network of cyber fraudsters.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal-JKPS, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising subject matter experts, to probe the case.

During the investigation, police uncovered several fake online investment websites, including paisavault.com, which lured victims through social media and search engines with promises of high returns on coin trading. Once victims invested money on these fraudulent platforms, the funds were diverted into local bank accounts belonging to individuals from Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Baramulla, and other areas.

These accounts were controlled by fraudsters who swiftly transferred the funds outside Jammu and Kashmir through multiple layers of transactions, including transfers beyond national borders, to obscure the money trail and evade detection.

Police investigations identified the alleged kingpin as Ekant Yogdutt alias “Dr. Morphine,” a resident of Hisar, Haryana. He reportedly acquired expertise in such cyber fraud techniques during his MBBS studies in the Philippines and maintained links with Chinese nationals.

The accused allegedly collaborated with local operatives from Kashmir, who acted as regional heads and account mobilizers. They targeted below poverty line (BPL) account holders, persuading them to hand over their bank accounts and ATM cards in exchange for ₹8,000–10,000 per month.

Investigations also revealed the involvement of certain bank employees who allegedly facilitated the operation by providing QR codes linked to these accounts, which were then uploaded on fake investment websites.

The fraudsters operated Telegram channels and groups to circulate fresh QR codes. Whenever cyber units across the country froze accounts following complaints, the accused would immediately activate new accounts and upload new QR codes to continue the scam.

So far, police have collected details of 835 bank accounts and verified transactions in 290 of them, revealing deposits amounting to ₹209 crore from investors across India. Authorities estimate that the total figure may exceed ₹400 crore upon complete verification.

The main accused, Ekant Yogdutt alias “Dr. Morphine,” was arrested by Ganderbal Police at Delhi International Airport upon his return from China. Additionally, eight other accused persons from various parts of Kashmir have been arrested. Further investigation is underway to trace the full money trail and initiate attachment of properties belonging to the accused.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant against fake investment websites promising unrealistic returns and warned citizens against renting out their bank accounts for monetary gain.

Victims can lodge complaints through the official cybercrime portal at cybercrime.gov.in or contact the toll-free helpline number 1039.

11 tourist spots in Kashmir Division and 3 tourist spots in Jammu Division to be reopened immediately

3 tourist spots – Gurez, Athwatoo of Bandipora District and Bangus of Kupwara District in Kashmir Division and 1 tourist spot in Jammu Division- Ramkund of Ramban District will be reopened once snow gets cleared

Jammu: After a thorough security review and discussion, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Monday has ordered the reopening of more tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures.

11 tourist spots in Kashmir Division- Yousmarg and Doodhpathri in Budgam; Dandipora Park in Kokernag, Anantnag; Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Padpawan in Shopian; Astanpora and Tulip Garden in Srinagar; Thajwas Glacier and Hung Park in Ganderbal and Wullar/ Watlab in Baramulla to be reopened immediately.

Three tourist spots in Jammu Division- Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Mangat in Ramban and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar to be reopened immediately.

Three sites in Kashmir Division- Gurez and Athwatoo in Bandipora, Bangus in Kupwara and One site in Jammu Division- Ramkund in Ramban will be reopened once snow gets cleared.

Jammu, Feb 16: In a major step towards modernising criminal investigations, Inspector General of Police (Crime Branch) Sujit Kumar Singh (IPS) on Monday released the maiden edition of the Jammu & Kashmir Police Fingerprint Bureau Magazine at a function held at Crime Branch Headquarters Jammu.

IGP Sujit Kumar-IPS ruled out a booklet on the “Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures” for Field staff to enhance investigations and improve conviction rate in compliance with MHA guidelines.

The event was organized under the supervision of Mohd Yousuf, Sr. Superintendent of Police, Fingerprint Bureau, J&K and was graced by the presence of the Director Prosecution, along with all SSsP of Crime Branch, Jammu & Kashmir.

The magazine highlights the strengthening of scientific investigation practices within Jammu & Kashmir Police by issuing the SOPs for the various steps at Chance fingerprint lifting to submitting into National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) system, and also the latest implementation of the CrPIS system (Measurement Collection Unit), developed by the National Crime Records Bureau under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In his address, IGP Crime Sujit Kumar-IPS emphasized the importance of strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) relating to NAFIS, Measurement Collection Units (MCUs), and Fingerprint Bureau operations to ensure accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in criminal investigations.

He underscored that scientific evidence and digital fingerprint identification are pivotal in enhancing conviction rates and inter-state crime tracking.

The publication serves as a professional reference for investigators and forensic personnel, detailing updated SOPs, crime scene management protocols, fingerprint collection standards, and coordination mechanisms with national databases.

Jammu & Kashmir Police reaffirmed its commitment to modernization, capacity building, and adoption of technology-driven investigation methods in line with MHA guidelines.

Srinagar, Feb 16 : In one of the biggest financial frauds busted in the region recently, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has unearthed a massive fake online investment scam in Ganderbal district, with the amount involved so far pegged at Rs 209 crore and expected to cross Rs 400 crore after complete verification.

Nine persons, including an MBBS doctor from Haryana who allegedly learned the tricks of the trade while studying in the Philippines, have been arrested in connection with the case, officials said on Monday.

According to a police spokesperson, the investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed by Firdous Ahmad Mir, a resident of Safapora Ganderbal. Following this, FIR No. 08/2026 was registered at Police Station Ganderbal under sections 3(5), 61(2), 316 (4), 318, 111 BNS and 66-C IT Act.

Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal-JKPS, constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) which included subject matter experts to probe the matter.

The police investigation revealed that fraudsters were luring the public through fake investment websites and social media platforms, such as ‘paisavault.com’, promising high returns on coin trading. Once victims began investing, the money was diverted into local bank accounts in Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Baramulla.

“The amount was immediately transferred out of J&K through multiple layering and even routed outside the country to prevent detection of the money trail,” the spokesperson said.

The police have identified the alleged mastermind as Ekant Yogdutt, alias “Dr. Morphine,” a resident of Hisar, Haryana. Officials said he acquired expertise in cyber fraud during his MBBS degree in the Philippines and had multiple links with Chinese nationals.

The kingpin allegedly conspired with several local operatives from Kashmir, including Mohd Ibrahim Shah alias Yawer (Ganderbal), Nasir Ahmad Ganie (Ganderbal), Maqsood Ahmad alias Dr. Albert (Budgam), Tanveer Ahmad alias Dr. Martin (Budgam), Tawseef Ahmad Mir, a government teacher (Baramulla), Khurshid Ahmad (Nunner), and Ishfaq Ahmad (Safapora). These individuals acted as regional heads and account mobilizers, targeting Below Poverty Line (BPL) account holders with promises of Rs 8,000 to 10,000 per month in exchange for their bank accounts and ATM cards.

Preliminary investigations have also pointed towards the involvement of certain bank employees who allegedly provided QR codes linked to these accounts, which were then uploaded onto the fake websites. The fraudsters operated through dedicated Telegram channels, regularly updating new QR codes whenever the mule accounts were frozen by cyber units.

“So far, police have collected details of 835 accounts and verified transactions of 290 accounts, in which Rs 209 crore was received from various investors across India. Upon complete verification, the amount is likely to cross Rs 400 crore,” the spokesperson added.

The main accused, Ekant Yogdutt, was arrested by Ganderbal Police upon his arrival from China at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The eight other accused were apprehended from different parts of Kashmir.

Further investigation is ongoing to trace the complete money trail, and process to attach properties of the accused persons has been initiated.

The police have also issued a advisory to the public, warning them not to fall prey to such websites promising unrealistic returns and not to rent out their bank accounts for small monetary gains. Aggrieved persons have been urged to lodge complaints on the portal www.cybercrime.gov.in or on the toll-free number 1930. (KNS)

Srinagar, Feb 16: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed authorities to reopen 14 tourist destinations across the Union Territory following a comprehensive security assessment conducted by the administration.

According to a statement shared by the Lt Governor on X and reported by Kashmir News Service, visitor access has been restored with immediate effect to 11 locations in the Kashmir division and three in the Jammu region that had remained shut for nearly a year as a precautionary measure.

In the Kashmir division, sites cleared for tourists include Yousmarg and Doodhpathri in Budgam, Dandipora Park in Kokernag, Peer Ki Gali, Dubjan and Padpawan in Shopian, Astanpora and the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Thajwas Glacier and Hung Park in Ganderbal, and Wullar Lake in Baramulla.

In the Jammu division, restrictions have been lifted at Devi Pindi in Reasi, Mahu Mangat in Ramban, and Mughal Maidan in Kishtwar.

Officials added that four destinations, Gurez, Athwatoo, Bangus, and Ramkund will be opened later once snow is cleared from approach roads, as these high-altitude areas remain inaccessible due to winter conditions. Authorities said travel will only be allowed after routes are declared safe.

Locals associated with tourism industry welcomed the move and said that the decision will boost local businesses dependent on visitor inflow, many of which had voiced concern over the prolonged closure and its economic impact.

Budgam, Feb 16 : A 10-year-old girl lost her life while her mother sustained injuries after being hit by a motorcycle near village Bugam in Chadoora area of Budgam district on Monday afternoon.

An official told that a bike bearing registration number JK04K-4569 struck a pedestrian girl identified as Qaira Mushtaq, daughter of Mushtaq Ahmad Kumar, a resident of Kultreh Chadoora. Her mother, also suffered injuries in the incident.

Both the injured were immediately shifted to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Chadoora for treatment. However, the minor girl Qaira succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.

The injured mother was later referred to Bone and Joint Hospital Srinagar for specialized treatment.

Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated further proceedings.

Srinagar, Feb 16: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Ashraf Bedar.

In a post on X, Kashmir Zone Police as wrote, “All ranks of Jammu & Kashmir Police express profound sorrow on the passing of former IGP Shri Mohammad Ashraf Bedar. His dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the force will always be remembered.”

“Jammu & Kashmir Police extend their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and pray that the departed soul rests in eternal peace,” post reads.

VINOD BHAT

NEW DELHI, Feb 14: The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the appeals filed by senior Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) officer Asif Hamid Khan seeking to quash a sexual harassment case registered against him in 2014, and has directed the trial court to conclude the proceedings within one year.

A Bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Augustine George Masih passed the order while hearing Special Leave Petition (Criminal) Nos. 19500–19501 of 2025, arising out of the final judgment and order dated August 28, 2025, delivered by the Delhi High Court in WPCRL No. 3501/2018 and CRLMA No. 47419/2018. Granting leave, the Court heard the matter as civil appeals in its appellate jurisdiction but declined to interfere with the High Court’s decision, ultimately dismissing the appeals.

The case stems from an FIR registered in 2014 against Asif Hamid Khan, who was then posted as Additional Resident Commissioner in New Delhi. The FIR was lodged on the basis of a complaint filed by a junior KAS officer alleging sexual harassment. The registration of the FIR itself came after intervention by the Delhi High Court.

Khan had initially approached the Sessions Court and later the Delhi High Court seeking quashing of the FIR and the consequential proceedings. Both courts dismissed his plea. He subsequently moved the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s refusal to quash the case.

Appearing for the appellant, Senior Advocate Zaffar A. Shah argued that Khan had been exonerated in a departmental enquiry and that in view of such exoneration, the criminal proceedings ought not to continue. It was contended that once the competent authority had cleared the officer in disciplinary proceedings, the continuation of the criminal trial would amount to an abuse of process.

The respondent-complainant was represented by Advocate Suhail Malik, who opposed the plea and submitted that the accused had attempted to delay the proceedings at every stage. It was pointed out that the FIR had been registered only after intervention by the High Court and that the accused had already taken as many as sixty-two dates before various courts on substantially the same grounds, contributing to extraordinary delay in the trial.
After hearing learned counsel for the parties, the Supreme Court observed that it was not inclined to interfere in the matter. Referring to settled judicial principles, the Court remarked that exoneration in a departmental enquiry does not ipso facto absolve an accused of criminal liability, as the scope, standard of proof and nature of proceedings in disciplinary and criminal cases are distinct. Considering the facts and circumstances, the Bench held that no case for interference was made out at this stage and dismissed the appeals.
At the same time, taking note of the fact that the matter pertains to the year 2014 and that there has been considerable delay in its progress, the Court directed that the trial be expedited. It recorded that the parties shall fully cooperate with the trial proceedings and shall not seek unnecessary adjournments. The Bench requested the trial court to decide the case in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible and, in any event, within a period of one year from the date of the order.
The Court also clarified that it would be open to the petitioner to move an appropriate application before the trial court seeking discharge, if so advised. Importantly, it directed that the trial court shall decide the matter uninfluenced by any observations made by the High Court in the impugned judgment, thereby ensuring an independent adjudication strictly on the merits of the case.
All pending applications, if any, were ordered to stand disposed of.
The order was pronounced in open court in New Delhi on February 6, 2026. With the dismissal of the appeals, the decade-old sexual harassment case will now proceed before the trial court, which has been mandated by the apex court to bring the proceedings to a conclusion within a year.