SRINAGAR: On the occasion, of its community day, Ather Energy launched its latest electric scooter, ’The Rizta’  in a function held here today. 

Designed and engineered as a scooter for the entire family, the Rizta prioritizes comfort, convenience, and safety. It comes with a host of new connected features to enhance the riding experience including features like SkidControlTM and WhatsApp on the dashboard.

Speaking on the occasion, Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO, Ather Energy, said, “We entered the two-wheeler market with our performance scooter, the 450 series, which was recognised in the industry. Now, we are setting foot in the family segment with the Rizta, which has been designed and engineered with the Indian family in mind. It focuses on key aspects such as comfort, safety and connected tech, which we believe makes it an upgrade from the conventional scooters in the market.

Rizta will reflect Ather’s proposition of quality, reliability, and safety.”

Ather also rolled out AtherStack 6.0, the latest upgrade to its software stack.

The latest update brings a host of new features and experiences to the scooters including a new mobile app, integration with Whatsapp on the Ather dashboard, live location sharing, ping my scooter, auto reply to calls and Alexa integration. 

Existing Ather owners will also get AtherStack 6.0 as an over the air update with some of these features.
The Ather Rizta has been priced at Rs 1,09,999 (ex-showroom Bengaluru for the Rizta S, Rs 124,999 for the Rizta Z 2.9kWh and 144,999 for the Rizta Z 3.7kWh.

SRINAGAR: Health & Medical Education Department, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday entrusted Incharge Principal Government Medical College Handwara with the additional charge to look after as Principal Government Medical College Srinagar in wake of superannuation of Prof. (Dr.) Tanvir Masood Bhat. 

The adjustment has been made amid enforcement of Model Code of Conduct amid upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

“Consequent upon the superannuation of Prof. (Dr.) Tanvir Masood Bhat, Principal GMC Srinagar on 31-03-202, and due to the Model Code of Conduct being in place, because of General Elections to Lok Sabha – 2024 and in order to ensure patient care in Government Medical College Srinagar & Associated Hospitals, it is hereby ordered that Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan, I/c Principal Government Medical College Handwar, shall look after the charge of Principal Government Medical College Srinagar, in addition to her own duties, till further orders,” reads an order, a copy of which lies with GNS. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla Tuesday attached a vehicle bought from money earned from alleged drug trafficking activity.

"Continuing its action against drug peddlers, Police in Baramulla attached  vehicles illegal properties (Swift bearing registration number JK01M-7247 worth Lacs belonging to notorious drug peddler namely Ashiq Illahi Parray son of Ab Razaq resident of Lawaypora Shalteng Srinagar," reads a statement issued to GNS. 

"The action was taken under the sections 68-E read with 68-F (1) of NDPS Act of 1985 & were linked with case FIR No. 368/2023 u/s 8/21-29 NDPS Act of PS Pattan."

"The property was identified as illegally acquired property during the course of investigation/enquiry conducted by Police. The property was prima facie acquired from illicit trafficking in Narcotic drug and Psychotropic substances by the drug peddlers," the statement reads. 

"This operation reaffirms the commitment of Police to combat the drug menace. Local people of the area hailed the initiative of Police," the statement reads further. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: At least two firefighters were injured and three residential houses gutted in a massive fire in Batmaloo Srinagar.

An official told GNS that a fire broke out from a house in a Baranpather Batamaloo locality in area this evening.

"The raging flames spread to other houses in proximity, prompting the Fire and Emergency Services to launch a widescale rescue operation at the site," the official said adding, "During the course of time two firemen sustained burn injuries and were immediately removed to a nearby hospital." 

The official identified the injured duo as Noor Alam, DFO Incharge City and Aijaz Ahmad a Fireman. 

"As per preliminary assessment, the fire has caused massive damage to at least three residential houses at the spot," the official said.

More details are awaited. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday filed two chargesheets against 15 accused in an ongoing investigation of a case related to issuance of large number of Fire Arms licenses in J&K to ineligible persons in violation of Rules during the period 2012-16.

The chargesheet was filed before the Court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, Srinagar, according to an official statement to GNS. 

“The case was registered by CBI in 2018 on the request of the then State Government of Jammu & Kashmir and further notification of DoPT, Govt of India, transferring to CBI investigation of FIR No.18 of 2018 dated 17.05.2018 registered in Vigilance Organisation Kashmir (VOK),” the CBI said, adding, “The matter pertains to issuance of large number of arms license to ineligible persons without due process during the period 2012 to 2016.’

One of the charge sheets was filed under various sections of RPC, PC Act & Arms Act against 10 accused including the then District Magistrate, Kupwara, 4 gun house dealers and middleman while another charge sheet was filed under similar sections against the then ADM, Kupwara and 4 others including gun house dealer and middlemen for issuance of large number of such licenses to ineligible persons, it said.

“Investigation disclosed the nexus of then Licensing Authority/District Magistrate with middlemen and other gun house dealers,” it said, adding, “In furtherance of the criminal conspiracy, the gun house dealers lured the defence personnel posted at far away places in the country and got their arms license issued from district Kupwara in an illegal manner, despite those personnel neither being resident of the State nor posted in the district, without police verification.” Alleged illegal gratification per license were sought and collected by the gun house dealers and middlemen.”

Issuance of large number of arms licenses in a bordering district like Kupwara in illegal manner to ineligible persons is a matter of grave concern and poses serious threat to law & order and public safety, it said.

 “Further investigation is continuing.” (GNS)

SRINAGAR: In order to ensure better coordination among line Departments for smooth conduct of upcoming Lok Sabha election related activities and to monitor violations of model code of conduct (MCC), if any, an Integrated Election Control Room and Media Certification and Monitoring Committee(MCMC) Centre has been established here at DC/DEO Office Srinagar.

The DC Srinagar/District Election Officer Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today inspected the Integrated Election Control Room and MCMC Centre equipped with latest technologies for smooth, fair and transparent conduct of the Lok Sabha elections-2024 in the District.

The DC/DEO took stock of the facilities and equipment’s installed at both the facilities and also interacted with the designated Nodal Officers and deployed staff.

On the occasion, the DC/DEO said that as per the directions of the Election Commission of India, the Integrated Election Control Room has been set up as a tool to effectively coordinate the functioning of various agencies engaged in the election process.

He said that the Integrated  Election Control Room will have Call receiving facility on 1950، Model Code of Conduct (MCC) scrutiny of media channels، Social Media analysis، C-vigil teams  and General grievances related to the election through ECI portal.
Similarly, the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) Centre at the District Level will work as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India to keep close vigil on paid news during the Lok Sabha Elections-2024.

The MCMC will provide certification after scrutinizing Political Advertisements to be telecast / broadcast over TV / Radio Channels / Audio - Video displays/cinema halls / Internet based media / Websites including Social Media ,  e-papers & Cable Network during General Elections۔

Nodal Officer MCMC, Ahsan ul Haq Chisti, Nodal Officer, Integrated Election Control Room, Mirza Shahid Ali and other concerned accompanied the DC/DEO during the visit.

Emphasis was laid on to  have proactive approach and sensitise the staff down the line to ensure free, fair, transparent and seamless conduct of the Lok Sabha Elections. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Director General of Police, Jammu & Kashmir, R.R Swain, on Thursday conducted a comprehensive review of security measures at the newly established stations in Khari and Sangaldan, in Ramban district. 

Accompanying him were ADGP Railways, J&K, SJM Geelani, ADGP Armed/L&O, J&K, Vijay Kumar, and ADGP Jammu Zone, Anand Jain.
He interacted with the Government Railways Police and jurisdictional police officers and conducted inspection of some areas of the railway stations, a police spokesperson said in a statement to GNS. He also interacted with the senior railway officers and enquired about the various facilities provided including accommodation for stationed staff.

On the occasion DIG DKR range Shreedhar Patil, SSP Ramban, SSP Railways, SSP NHW and other jurisdictional officers briefed the officers.
During the visit, the DGP in his interaction emphasised upon, enhancing the security protocols and ensuring the safety of the passengers and public assets. 

“The DGP reiterated the commitment of the Jammu & Kashmir Police to maintaining peace and security in the region, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in countering potential threats,” the spokesperson said.

He also took the opportunity to interact with the staff of Indian Railways, underscoring the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and railway personnel in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the security of passengers and cargo.

The collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies and stakeholders, including Indian Railways, are vital in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the security of passengers and cargo. 

“The DGP expressed confidence in the capabilities of the officers and personnel involved in ensuring the security of the newly commissioned stations.”

The DGP also emphasised on the importance of community engagement and encouraged cooperation between the police and local residents to foster a safer environment, the spokesperson added. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir, State Investigation Agency, Monday filed a chargesheet against two accused who along with their other associates were involved in operating a narco-terror financing module in the Union territory. 

The chargesheet, as per a statement issued to GNS, has been filed against Zaheed Ahmad Khoja and Zameer Ahmad Lone under various provisions of the NDPS Act and UA(P) Act in Special Designated UAPA Court under the NIA Act. 

"Zaheed Ahmad Khoja was arrested in September last year when he was intercepted while transporting a huge consignment of Heroin weighing 3.565 Kgs (valued at more than Rs 25 crores) while Zameer Ahmad Lone is an active terrorist of LeT, originally resident of Kashmir and now based in Pakistan/ POK, chargesheeted as an absconding accused."

"Zaheed and Zameer and others  in connivance with terrorists of proscribed terrorist organizations, hatched a criminal conspiracy of raising funds by illegally smuggling/trafficking narcotics/contraband from across the border and from the narco proceeds financially support terrorist acts and to fund terror ecosystem," reads the statement.

"In pursuance of the above-mentioned larger criminal conspiracy, the duo and their other associates in close coordination through conversations over encrypted messaging applications planned systematically spreading communal disharmony through terror acts targeted at minority communities," reads the statement. 

"The terror funds were used for personal enrichment and for furtherance of terrorist acts including setting ablaze Government buildings, residential houses of minority communities/Police personnel and office of a political party, as directed by various terrorist organisations, active in Jammu and Kashmir," reads the statement. 

"SIA has been successful in busting the narco terror financing module where linkages have been found with multiple terror organisations." 

"Terrorist outfits active in UT of Jammu and Kashmir are deeply involved in raising terror funds through sale of illegally trafficked Narcotics from across the borders to sustain their terror operations and activities," reads the statement. 

"Further investigation against other associates of the chargesheeted accused persons in this case will continue," the statement concludes. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Election Commission of India declared on Saturday that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will not be held simultaneously with the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

During a press briefing in New Delhi to unveil the schedule for Lok Sabha elections across 4 states and the 4 state assemblies, CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasised that only Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh will hold assembly polls concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections.

The Lok Sabha elections are slated to commence from April 19 and will be conducted over 7 phases, with the vote counting scheduled for June 4.

Furthermore, elections for 5 Lok Sabha constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in 5 phases, with one constituency voting in each phase. These phases are scheduled for April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.

SRINAGAR: A court in Srinagar on Wednesday sentenced a man to imprisonment for life for throwing acid on a woman at Hawal here on 1 February 2022.

The court of Principal Sessions Judge Srinagar Jawad Ahmed announced the sentence against the main convict, Sajid Altaf Sheikh of Buchwara Dalgate in a jam packed court. The court also imposed Rs 40 lakh fine on Sheikh.

The crime had sent shock waves on the evening of February 1, 2022 when the main accused accompanied by the juvenile (name withheld) threw acid on the 24-year-old woman after she allegedly rejected his marriage proposal.

Soon after the attack, police had constituted a special investigation team headed by SP North Raja Zuhaib (JKPS) with Yasir Parrey (SDPO) Khanyar, SHOs of police stations Safakadal, Nowhatta besides SHO of Srinagar Women’s Police station as its members to investigate the case (FIR No 08/2022) under section 326-A and 120-B IPC). (GNS)

SRINAGAR: A house owner was left dead, purportedly due to suffocation, in a massive blaze in Jamalatta locality in Nawakadal area of central Kashmir's Srinagar district. 

Assistant Director F&ES Aaqib Hussain told GNS that upon receiving information about the blaze, they instantly mobilised all the nearby fire stations to reach the site. 

"Upon arrival at the site, we saw at least three structures caught in fire, following which a widescale firefighting operation was launched" he said, adding during the course of operation we rescued some people who were stuck inside a house.

"However one person identified as Bashir Ahmad, said to be the house owner, remained stuck inside his home, and purportedly died due to suffocation," the official said.

"Apart from the unfortunate death, the operation has overall been seamless and we have been quite successful to ensure that the fire is controlled," the official added.

The deceased person, the official said, as per locals was not doing well and couldn't make it on time to move out of the house. 

More details are awaited. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday took into seizure at least four immovable properties in a case related to narco-terror links. 

"In a major step towards dismantling the funding networks that are fuelling terrorism in Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached four properties and seized cash in the Handwara narco-terror case, involving 2 proscribed terrorist outfits, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM)," reads a statement issued to GNS. 
 
"The properties belonging to four accused have been attached in the tehsil Handwara of district Kupwara by the NIA, which has also seized a total of Rs 2.27 crore in cash under Section 25 of the UA(P) Act. The immovable properties attached are the double storeyed house of accused Afaq Ahmad Wani, single storeyed house of accused Muneer Ahmad Pandey, the house of Saleem Andrabi and the double storeyed house of Islam ul Haq," reads the statement. 
 
"A total of 12 accused have so far been arrested in the case, in which the NIA has chagesheeted 15 individuals."
 
The case (RC 03/2020/NIA/JMU), the statement reads, relates to the use of the ‘proceeds of narcotic drugs’ to fund violent terror activities by LeT and HM operating in the Handwara-Kupwara region.

"The case was registered following the recovery of a black bag and a large number of Indian currency notes of 500 denominations during checking of vehicles in the Langate area of Handwara. The seizure was made from a white Creta car without a registration number," reads the statement. 
 
"Preliminary questioning of the car’s driver, Abdul Momin Peer, had  led to the revelations about the narco terror nexus, which had sparked detailed investigation by the NIA. During the initial searches in the houses of various accused, 21 kg of heroin was seized, in addition to various incriminating material, including large sums of cash."
 
"The anti-terror agency is continuing with its relentless efforts to destroy and dismantle the terror network in Kashmir and safeguard national security," reads the statement further. (GNS)