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Fake Cooking Oil Company Scam: Four Face Chargesheet in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jul 30 (NVI): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has filed a chargesheet against four persons for allegedly cheating a businessman of ₹15 lakh by posing as representatives of a fake cooking oil company, officials said on Thursday.

The chargesheet in the 2022 case has been filed before the Court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, they said.

According to the Crime Branch, the accused allegedly induced the complainant to deposit ₹15 lakh as security for the supply of cooking oil, claiming to represent M/s Assured Agro Food Industries and assuring delivery within a week.

However, no stock was supplied, prompting the complainant to approach the Crime Branch.

During investigation, officials found that the accused had allegedly conspired to cheat the complainant on the pretext of supplying mustard oil.

Verification with the Registrar of Companies, Rajasthan, revealed that no company by the name of M/s Assured Agro Food Industries was registered, the officials said, adding that the investigation also established the involvement of another accused who was projected as the owner of the purported company.

Following completion of the investigation, the chargesheet was filed before the competent court for judicial proceedings.

The Crime Branch has advised people to remain vigilant against such financial frauds and report suspicious activities to the Economic Offences Wing.(NVI)

POJK situation continues to worsen due to Pakistani brutalities, many more killed and injured

Body of Osama, who was killed in firing by Pakistanin forces in Rawalakot

Rawalakot (POJK), July 29 (NVI) Situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) continues to turn more distressful with each passing day, with the Pakistani forces relentlessly unleashing barbarity on the locals and killing more and more people.

Leaders and common people of POJK are desperately urging the international community, including India, as well as international media and global human rights organisations to intervene to stop the genocide in the region by Pakistan.

So far, over 40 civilians have been killed and hundreds injured in the repeated firing by the Pakistani forces at various places in POJK, particularly in Rawalakot and Mirpur.

An unaccounted number of people were killed and injured for the fourth straight today as Pakistani forces and their associates in civil dress, believed to be terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), resorted to firing at Kashmiris at multiple places.

The exact number of those killed and injured is not yet known as Pakistani forces immediately whisk away most of the bodies as well as the injured people to suppress details about the casualties.

However, there is confirmation about the killing of at least 3 prominent Kashmiris associated with Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a conglomerate of several non-political local organisations, which has been spearheading the agitation against Pakistan for the last 53 days.

The deceased include Mohd Osama, a Ph.D educated leader, who was killed hours after he delivered a powerful speech at a rally in Rawalakot yesterday.

The Pakistani forces have also killed two brothers of Core committee member Umar Nazir.

That the situation is extremely dire in POJK is being highlighted by many leaders and common people of the region in video and audio messages.

They narrate how Pakistani forces are committing extreme barbarism on the people of POJK. Many women have been molested by the Pakistani forces after barging into their homes.

The Pakistani forces are denying even food and medicines to the people.

Internet has been shut down by the Pakistani regime so that the reality is not transmitted to the outside world.

While lakhs of Pakistani forces and their associates are already in POJK, many more were rushed in by helicopters today, raising concerns about much more intense massacre in the occupied region. (NVI)

Bill providing for stricter action against exam paper leak passed by Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha of Parliament (File Pic)

New Delhi, July 29 (NVI) A bill proposing stricter punishment for exam paper leaks, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹50 lakh, was passed by the Lok Sabha today amid uproar.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was approved by voice vote in the Lower House of Parliament, amid repeated disruptions after the Opposition attacked the government over police action against protesting students at Jantar Mantar recently.

The Bill, which aims to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, which came into effect in 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 27 by Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh.

The bill, besides proposing imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₹50 lakh for paper leak, has provision for enhanced penalties for organised crime networks and service providers involved in such offences.

It also mandates completion of investigations within two months and trials within three months through dedicated fast track courts, and establishes a specific appeal mechanism before high courts.

During the debate, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked the government for the use of police force against students who were protesting over NEET exam paper leak.

He alleged that the use of force was authorised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, remarks which drew sharp reaction from the Treasury benches, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asking Gandhi to substantiate the claim.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh rejected the allegation, stating that no bullets were fired and no order to open fire had been issued during the protest.

He clarified that police had used only tear gas during the operation, adding that any order to open fire could only be issued by a magistrate, not by police themselves.

Singh also stated that the government had acted swiftly on the NEET paper leak case, noting that 52 FIRs have been registered since the anti-paper leak law came into force in 2024.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following the passage of the Bill.

The bill will now go to the Rajya Sabha for passage. (NVI)

Legislators Meet CM Omar Abdullah, Raise Constituency Development Issues

Srinagar, Jul 29 (NVI): Several legislators from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and raised various developmental issues and public grievances concerning their respective constituencies.

The legislators urged the chief minister to intervene for the timely redressal of public issues and expedite the implementation of development projects in their constituencies, an official spokesperson said.

Those who met Abdullah included MLAs Dr Bharat Bhushan (Kathua), Randhir Singh (Kalakote-Sunderbani), Shagun Parihar (Kishtwar), Dr Sajad Shafi (Uri), Qaysar Jamshaid Lone (Lolab), Mian Mehar Ali (Kangan) and Javaid Mirchal (Tangdhar), besides former MLC Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta.

The chief minister assured the legislators that all genuine issues and demands would be examined and addressed on priority.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development, Abdullah said every region of Jammu and Kashmir would receive equal attention and efforts would continue to ensure equitable development and improved public service delivery across the Union Territory, the spokesperson added.(NVI)

Arms, ammunition recovered during joint search operation in J&K’s Kulgam

File Photo

Srinagar, Jul 29 (NVI): Security forces on Wednesday recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a joint search operation in an orchard area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint search operation was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army’s 34 Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPF’s 18 Battalion in the Tantrypora-Sursnoo orchard area, the officials said.

During the operation, the joint team recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, they said.

The recovered material has been seized and further investigation has been initiated, the officials added.(NVI)

Rajnath Launches India’s First Military Medicine Department

New Delhi, Jul 29 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday virtually inaugurated the country’s first dedicated Department of Military Medicine at the Command Hospital (Central Command) in Lucknow, describing it as a major step towards strengthening the operational medical preparedness of the Armed Forces.

Established under the Directorate General of Medical Services (Army), the department will function as the principal academic, research and doctrinal hub for the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), with a focus on enhancing combat medical readiness, advancing research and developing specialised expertise for future battlefields and humanitarian operations.

Addressing the inauguration, Singh said the strength and morale of the armed forces form the foundation of a nation’s sovereignty and progress, expressing confidence that the new department would provide advanced medical support to troops and reinforce their confidence during operations.

He said the department would serve as a research and development hub to prepare the country for emerging threats arising from rapid technological advancements.

The department will focus on areas such as military trauma and damage control, combat psychiatry, environmental and operational medicine, military medical logistics, CBRNe medical response, emergency medicine, disaster medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and research and data analytics.

Singh said the institution would also promote innovation in battlefield medicine through simulation-based training, telemedicine, prolonged field care and technology-driven medical decision support systems.

He emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare in maintaining combat readiness, advocating the use of artificial intelligence, wearable devices, predictive analytics and advanced diagnostics for real-time health monitoring and early detection of health risks among soldiers.

The Defence Minister said the department would create new opportunities for young Army doctors through specialised education and research in military medicine, while enhancing India’s standing in global medical research.

He expressed hope that the institution would evolve into a world-class Battlefield Medicine Research Centre and strengthen India’s preparedness for future defence and national security challenges.

Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and other senior military and government officials attended the event.(NVI)

Three CRPF Personnel Injured as Vehicle Hits Tree in J&K’s Budgam

Srinagar, Jul 29 (NVI): Three CRPF personnel were injured after their vehicle hit a Chinar tree in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district on Wednesday, officials said.

The accident took place near Sheikhpora area of the central Kashmir district around noon, they said.

One of the injured personnel was shifted to a hospital in Srinagar for specialised treatment, while the other two are undergoing treatment at a local medical facility, the officials said.

They said further details about the incident are awaited.(NVI)

Chhari Mubarak Reaches Kashmir Amid Tight Security

Srinagar, Jul 29 (NVI): The sacred Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva associated with the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, reached Mattan in Anantnag district on Wednesday amid elaborate security arrangements, officials said.

The holy mace was escorted under a multi-layered security cover, with personnel from various security agencies deployed along the route to ensure the safe movement of the procession.

Officials said security had been intensified with checkpoints, area domination and continuous surveillance at vulnerable locations to ensure the peaceful passage of the procession and prevent any untoward incident.

Devotees and local residents welcomed the Chhari Mubarak at Mattan and offered prayers, marking another important milestone in the annual pilgrimage.

The Chhari Mubarak procession is an integral part of the traditional rituals associated with the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and holds deep religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva.

Authorities said adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure the pilgrimage continues in a safe and peaceful manner.(NVI)

Man sentenced to three years’ jail for securing police job with forged certificate in J&K

Srinagar, Jul 29 (NVI): A court in Srinagar has sentenced a man to three years’ rigorous imprisonment for fraudulently securing appointment as a constable in the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) by using a forged Class 12 qualification certificate, officials said on Wednesday.

The conviction was secured by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Kashmir, formerly known as the Crime Branch Kashmir, in a recruitment fraud case.

The Special Mobile Magistrate, 13th Finance Commission/Railway Magistrate, Srinagar, convicted Nazir Ahmad Malik, a resident of Budgam district, for using a fake 10+2 certificate to obtain appointment as a constable in the 9th Battalion of the IRP, officials said.

During the investigation, the disputed certificate was seized and sent to the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) for verification, which confirmed that it was forged, they said.

The court sentenced the convict to three years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 under Section 420 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). In default of payment of the fine, he will undergo 15 days’ simple imprisonment.

The court also awarded him two years’ simple imprisonment under Section 471 of the RPC. Both sentences will run concurrently.

The EOW urged people not to use forged or fabricated documents for employment or any official purpose, warning that such offences attract legal action, including imprisonment and fines.(NVI)

India starts direct commercial container train service with Nepal

Railways freight
File photo

By Arun Kumar Das

New Delhi, July 28 (NVI) In a major step to boost India-Nepal trade relations, the Indian Railways has operated the first-ever direct commercial container freight train from Kolkata to Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal.

The train, comprising 40 wagons carrying a consignment of canola, completed its journey under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, marking a new chapter in rail-based cross-border freight movement.

The successful operation enables direct rail movement of containerised cargo from Kolkata Port to Biratnagar without transshipment at the border.

The new arrangement is expected to substantially reduce transit time, logistics costs and cargo handling while improving the efficiency, reliability and competitiveness of cross-border trade between the two neighbouring countries.

The milestone has been made possible through the implementation of the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol, which facilitates seamless end-to-end rail transportation of freight between the two countries.

The achievement builds upon the broad-gauge rail link between Jogbani (India) and Biratnagar (Nepal), inaugurated in June 2023.

Following the signing of the revised Letter of Exchange (LoE) in November 2025, direct commercial rail movement to Biratnagar has now become operational, opening new opportunities for bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

The direct freight service is expected to provide a significant boost to the movement of import and export cargo by offering a faster, more economical and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation.

By reducing multiple handling points and improving supply chain efficiency, the initiative will benefit exporters, importers, logistics operators and industries engaged in cross-border trade.

The successful operation of the first direct commercial container freight train to Nepal marks another important achievement in Indian Railways’ efforts to build an integrated, efficient and future-ready freight network that supports regional trade, economic growth and seamless international connectivity. (NVI)

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