The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Srinagar Police on Saturday claimed to have solved a blind murder case within six hours of the recovery of an unidentified body, arresting a mother-son duo allegedly involved in the crime.

According to police, an unidentified body wrapped in gunny bags was recovered on July 30 from the Babademb Canal beneath Baba Dawood Khakhi Bridge in the Khanyar area. Following the recovery, Police Station Khanyar registered FIR No. 49/2026 under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation.

Given the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the supervision of senior officers. During the investigation, police identified the accused as Haleema Bano and her son, Moomin Ahmad, originally from Machil in Kupwara district and presently residing as tenants at Mughal Mohalla, Rainawari.

Police said the accused fled Srinagar after the incident in an attempt to evade arrest. However, acting on multiple leads, the investigating team traced and apprehended both accused from the Lolab area of Kupwara within hours of the body's recovery.

During the investigation, the deceased was identified as Nazir Ahmad Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, a resident of Kalantpora, Hawal. Police said preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was allegedly murdered inside the rented accommodation of the accused following a financial dispute.

According to police, the accused subsequently wrapped the body in gunny bags and dumped it into the Babademb Canal in an alleged attempt to conceal the crime and destroy evidence.

Police said several articles believed to be connected with the commission of the offence have been recovered during the investigation. Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether any other person was involved and to complete the legal formalities.

BUDGAM — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday handed over an appointment letter to Absar Ashiq Qureshi, son of Jammu and Kashmir Police Head Constable Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, who was killed while on duty in Anantnag.

The appointment letter was presented during a function held at Raj Bhavan in the presence of the family members of the deceased police official.

During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor expressed condolences to the bereaved family and paid tribute to the police personnel for losing his life in the line of duty.

He also assured the family of all possible assistance and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to supporting the families of police personnel who die while performing their official duties.

The Head Constable was killed in the July 22 attack in Anantnag.

SRINAGAR — National Conference President Farooq Abdullah on Saturday questioned the timing of the killing of two non-local workers in Kulgam, saying such incidents appear to occur whenever the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood gathers momentum. He called for an honest and impartial investigation into the attack to establish the facts behind the incident.

Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said the circumstances surrounding the killings remained unclear and cautioned against drawing conclusions before a thorough investigation.

"It is unfortunate. We do not know who killed them, and we do not know why they were killed. The Kulgam attack needs an honest and impartial probe so that the truth comes out," he said.

The veteran National Conference leader also questioned the timing of the attack, linking it to the ongoing political demand for the restoration of statehood.

"I do not know why these attacks take place whenever we seek statehood. It raises questions, and therefore a fair investigation is essential to uncover the truth," Abdullah said.

He reiterated that those responsible for the killings must be identified and brought to justice, while urging the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation that inspires public confidence.

The killing of two non-local workers in Kulgam has triggered widespread condemnation across the political spectrum, with several leaders demanding accountability and stronger measures to ensure the safety of civilians and migrant workers in the Valley.