J-K: Court grants three-week extension for filing report in Vaishno Devi landslide case

Katra/Jammu, Nov 21 (PTI) A Katra court on Friday granted an additional three weeks to Reasi senior superintendent of police and a station house officer to file an action taken report (ATR) over a complaint seeking registration of case against Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) officials for alleged criminal negligence that resulted in the deaths of 34 people in a landslide en route to the cave shrine in August.

The landslide, triggered by a cloudburst, struck the pilgrim route at Adhkuwari in the Trikuta hills of Reasi district on August 26, killing pilgrims and injuring 20 others. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha constituted a three-member committee on August 29 to probe the causes behind the landslide.

Sub-Judge Katra Sidhant Vaid, on October 16, directed the SSP Reasi and Bhawan SHO to submit the ATR in response to a complaint filed by Rohit Bali of Jammu.  Bali has sought registration of an FIR under Sections 105 (capable homicide) and 106 (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against the Board's CEO, alleging that negligence by SMVDSB officials led to the deaths.

Pursuant to the court’s earlier order, the Bhawan SHO appeared in person and submitted a written request seeking a four-week extension, informing the court that an entry regarding the incident had been made in the Roznamcha of Police Post Adhkuwari.  He said that the allegations were being examined to determine whether a cognisable offence had occurred or the matter required civil or administrative intervention.

The police further said that, given the “far-reaching consequences” of the incident and the sensitivity of the allegations, a careful and discreet inquiry was underway, involving examination of local inputs and records from various agencies.  He sought additional time to complete verification and file a comprehensive report.

After hearing the police, the court granted a three-week extension and listed the matter for the filing of the ATR on November 20.

Advocate Vishal Gupta appeared for complainant Rohit Bali, who was also present in court. PTI AB AMJ AMJ