KATRA: During routine patrolling on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) track under the jurisdiction of Police Post Banganga, police stopped a pony operator near Bathing Ghat No. 02, Ban Ganga for routine verification.
The individual identified himself as Billu S/O Manda Ram, R/O Panjar, Tehsil Panchari, District Udhampur. On being asked to produce a valid license or authorization, he failed to provide any such document. During further questioning, he admitted to operating illegally without an authorized or registered pony service card, assuming he would not be checked.
By functioning as a pony operator without proper authorization on the SMVD track, the individual violated the SDM Katra Notification governing registered service providers.
Consequently, FIR No. 283/2025 U/S 223(a) BNS has been registered at Police Station Katra, and further investigation is underway.
The operation was conducted under the leadership of SHO P/S Katra, Insp. Khyatiman Khajuria, under the supervision of SDPO Katra, Dr. Bhishm Dubey, JKPS, and SP Katra, Vipan Chandran, JKPS.
SSP Reasi, Paramvir Singh, JKPS, reiterated the department’s commitment to strict enforcement of rules and maintaining order on the SMVD track for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
