KATRA: 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.
Police said that reliable information was received at Police Post Ban Ganga regarding illegal activities near the Jalpan Ticket Counter on the SMVD track. Upon verification conducted by PSI Rahul Jamwal, In-charge PP Ban Ganga, it was found that several pithu operators were being unlawfully stopped and harassed.
The accused were identified as Arshad Ahmed, a local shop worker, acting in connivance with Shankaar Singh alias Dhanu Raja, an employee of M-Tech Innovations, and Bittu Singh alias Babbu Shah. The trio allegedly threatened victims with false implication, denial of services and continuous harassment, extorting ₹500 from each pithu operator under coercion to allow them to cross the checkpoint.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, FIR No. 23/2025 under Sections 308(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Police Station Katra. All accused have been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway.
The operation was carried out by PSI Rahul Jamwal, In-charge PP Ban Ganga, and SHO Police Station Katra Inspector Ranjeet Singh Rao, under the close supervision of SDPO Katra Dr. Bhishm Dubey, JKPS, and SP Katra Vipin Chandran, JKPS.
SSP Reasi Paramvir Singh, JKPS, reiterated the district police’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a safe, secure and harassment-free environment for pilgrims, workers and locals. He said strict action will continue against anyone involved in illegal or exploitative activities on the pilgrimage route.
