The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Cyber Police Station, Kashmir, has observed an alarming increase in inflammatory and sectarian posts being shared on various social media platforms, which pose a serious threat to communal harmony in the Valley.

Cyber Police Kashmir, according to the news agency KDC, has issued a stern advisory to all social media users, urging them to exercise caution and responsibility when posting or engaging in online discussions.

"It has come to our attention that certain individuals are circulating divisive and inflammatory content that could disrupt peace and cause sectarian tension in Kashmir. We strongly urge everyone to refrain from sharing or promoting such content," said the SP Cyber Police.

The SP further said that any individual found posting, sharing, or promoting sectarian, inflammatory, or provocative content aimed at disturbing public peace will face strict legal action under the relevant sections of the law.

The Cyber Police Kashmir urges citizens to be responsible and cooperate in maintaining the unity and tranquillity of Kashmir. The Cyber team will continue to monitor social media platforms to ensure that such malicious activities are curbed and that those violating the law are held accountable.

"We request the public to work with us to ensure peace and harmony in the Valley. Anyone engaging in or encouraging provocative content will be dealt with as per the law," added the SP.

For further information or to report any such content, citizens are encouraged to contact the Cyber Police Station.

PULWAMA — Pulwama Police issued a statement in which it said that legal action has been initiated against a group of 'miscreants' who attempted to disrupt the voting process at a polling station in Bellow village in Rajpora Assembly constituency on Wednesday.

As per the police, the incident occurred around 1 pm when several individuals entered the polling station and began 'harassing' voters, creating a tense atmosphere.

"Security forces stationed at the site intervened, removing the group from the premises without halting the voting process, which continued uninterrupted," a police spokesman said.

Outside the polling station, as per the official, the situation escalated when the 'miscreants' confronted law enforcement officials, including SHO Rajpora and his team, and threatened to block a nearby road.

Despite the provocation, police said, security personnel handled the situation with restraint, dispersing the crowd without causing harm or injury.

The Pulwama Police confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against those involved in the disturbance.

It is pertinent to mention here that BJP leader and Rajpora Assembly Constituency candidate Arshad Bhat visited the polling station in Bellow village, where a commotion erupted.

Speaking to the media, Bhat accused the local police, particularly the SHO of Rajpora Police Station, of showing bias during the election process. However, eyewitnesses accused the BJP candidate of kicking a National Conference worker near the polling station and disrupting the voting process in the polling station.

JAMMU — Four soldiers were injured after a gunfight erupted between militants and security forces in Chenab Valley of Kishtwar district where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address an election rally on Saturday.

According to the reports from the news agency KNO, four soldiers received bullet injuries and were evacuated to a medical facility after an encounter broke out at Chhatroo area of Kishtwar.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address an election rally in neighbouring Doda tomorrow.

“Based on the intelligence inputs, a joint operation with J&K Police was launched in Chatroo area at Kishtwar. A contact has been established with the terrorists at 3.30 pm. In the ensuing firefight, four army personnel were injured. The operation is in progress,” the Army's White Knight Corps said in a statement.

Moreover, Additional Director General of Police, Jammu, Anand Jain said, “Exchange of fire has taken place between search teams of security forces and hiding terrorists at Pingnal Dugadda forest area, upper reaches of Naidgham village under the jurisdiction of Chhatroo Police Station, Kishtwar district."

According to sources, the encounter began when the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the army, launched an anti-militancy operation based on specific intelligence inputs. Militants, who were hiding in the area, opened fire on the search party, prompting retaliation from security forces.

Reports suggest that at least four Jaish-e-Muhammad militants are trapped in Chatroo area of Kishtwar where the encounter is currently going on and search operations have been intensified to nearby areas of the encounter area. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with the army, surrounded the area to neutralise the militants.

PULWAMA — In a major breakthrough, Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested a militant associate during a Naka checking at Karimabad crossing, where the suspect was intercepted, in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The arrested individual has been identified as Arsalan Ahmad Sheikh son of Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Karimabad village.

During the search, a hand grenade was recovered from the possession of the suspect, as per the police statement.

Investigations, police said, revealed that the accused had planned to lob the grenade at the Naka party, posing a serious threat to security forces and public safety. The timely action by the Pulwama Police thwarted the attack, preventing any potential loss of life or injury.

Accordingly, a case has been registered under FIR No. 182/2024, under Sections 4/5 Explosives Act and Sections 18, 23 of UAPA Act in Police Station Pulwama.

The investigation has been set into motion to uncover further details and possible links to other militant activities in the area.

SRINAGAR — A day after the approval from the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the posting of four police officers as district police chiefs, the officers assumed the charges at designated places on Saturday.

According to the news agency KNO, customary handing over of charges took place between the outgoing SSPs and SP and incoming officers.

Soon after taking over charge as the district chiefs, the top officers chaired introductory meetings with the officers in their respective police districts at their office chambers.

In Baramulla, the incoming SSP Mohammad Zaid, who was accompanied by the outgoing officer SSP Gurinderpal Singh, was received by the SP Operations Feroz Yehya, SP Headquarters Syed Yasir Qadri besides others.

The event was followed by the handing over of the charges.

In Kupwara, the outgoing SSP, Shobhit Saxena, along with senior police officers of the district, extended a warm welcome to the incoming officer Ghulam Jeelani Wani at the District Police Headquarters. The officer was honoured with a ceremonial guard of honour.

Similarly, in Handwara, the outgoing SP Dawood Ayoub and incoming SP Mir Ifroz were received by SP Operations Handwara Zaffar Iqbal, SDPO Hamid Ali and others, which was followed by the handing over of the charges.

Earlier on Friday, the ECI approved the posting of Mohammad Zaid as SSP, Baramulla, Ghulam Jeelani Wani as SSP Kupwara, Ifroz Ahmad as SP Handwara and Imtiyaz Hussain Mir as SSP Srinagar.

KUPWARA — Three militants were killed in joint operations by J&K Police and Indian Army in northern Kashmir's Kupwara district on Thursday.

These successful operations, as per the security forces, are attributed to the seamless coordination between the two forces, focusing on maintaining close surveillance and enhancing human intelligence regarding infiltration attempts from the Line of Control (LOC) in Kupwara.

On August 27, specific intelligence inputs were received by the forces about simultaneous infiltration attempts in the Karnah and Kumkadi sectors of Kupwara. This information, as per the statement, was promptly shared with the respective army units, and joint ambushes involving J&K Police and the Army were strategically deployed.

The statement added that suspicious movement was detected around 19:30 hours on August 28 in the Kumkadi sector, leading to an exchange of fire that continued until the early morning hours of August 29. A subsequent search operation revealed two dead bodies of militants at the site.

Similarly, in the Karnah sector, suspicious movement was observed around 21:00 hours on August 28. The ensuing gunfire lasted into the early hours of August 29. The search operation conducted later resulted in the recovery of one dead body. Further search operations are ongoing in both sectors, and legal formalities are being completed. This marks the sixth counter-insurgency operation in Kupwara district this year, bringing the total number of militants killed in the district to 10, all of whom were foreign militants.

SRINAGAR — The Election Commission of India on Wednesday approved the appointment of senior IPS officer Nalin Prabhat as Director General (Operations and Security) till September 30 and shifting of four district police chiefs.

Sources quoted by the news agency KNO said that the poll-body today approved the appointment of Nalin Prabhat (IPS) as DG (Operations & Security), J&K Police till September 30.

Prabhat, who was recently brought to AGMUT cadre, would take over as police chief of J&K on September 30 when RR Swain would complete his innings.

They disclosed that the poll-body has also approved extension of inter-cadre deputation tenure of Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, DC Anantnag, for two years.

The Commission has also approved the proposal of relieving of Ashish Mishra, SSP Srinagar and transfer of SSP Baramulla Gurinderpal Singh, SP Handwara Dawood Ayoub and SSP Kupwara Shobhit Saxena.

The Commission has directed J&K administration to provide a panel of IPS officers for the post of SP/SSP Srinagar, Baramulla, Handwara and Kupwara by 5 pm tomorrow.

SRINAGAR — A minor among six suspected over-ground workers (OGWs) were arrested along with arms and ammunition in southern Kashmir's Qazigund area, police said on Wednesday.

The news agency CNS reported the police as having said that on a specific input, a joint team of 9 RR, J&K Police and 46 Bn CRPF arrested six suspected OGWs during Naka checking in Qazigund.

The arrested OGWs were identified as Suhaib Khursheed Bhat (aged 18 years) son of Khursheed Ahmad Bhat and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Zahid Ahmad Dar (aged 18 years) son of Abdul Hamid Dar and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Naveed Ahmad Sofi (aged 21 years) son of Naseer Ahmad Sofi and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Bilal Ahmed Dar (aged 20 years) son of Ghulam Nabi Dar and a resident of Hawoorah Qaimoh, Kulgam; Fasil Ahmad Dar (aged 21 years) son of Fayaz Ahmad Dar and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam and Mohid Ali Bhat (aged 16 years) son of Ali Mohammad Bhat and a resident of Qaimoh, Kulgam.

"They have been handed over to JIC Amnoo for further questioning," police said in its statement.

The arms and ammunition recovered from the arrested individuals included a pistol, two pistol magazines, 28 pistol rounds, three hand grenades and 35 AK-47 rounds.

In this regard, an FIR has been lodged at Police Station Qazigund vide FIR number 209/2024 under Sections 13, 18, 23 and 39 of ULAP and 7/25 of the Arms Act.

SRINAGAR — The authorities have ordered a probe after a police officer allegedly misbehaved with a doctor in Kreeri area of Baramulla district of northern Kashmir on Sunday.

According to an order, the incident occurred on Sunday, when a body was brought to SDH Kreeri by locals and relatives, however, initial investigations were inconclusive regarding the cause of death, leading police teams to further investigate the matter.

Meanwhile, an official said that police later determined that the deceased had been under long-term care at Soura Institute, suggesting death was likely not suspicious, as reported by the news agency KNO.

He said that the situation escalated when the station house officer of Police Station Kreeri allegedly misbehaved with a doctor at Sub-district Hospital Kreeri.

He said that the incident was reported to senior authorities, following which a probe was ordered under the supervision of the Additional Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Syed Yasir Qadri.

“The enquiry will assess the facts of the case, recommend any necessary disciplinary action, and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” states the order. The probe team has been asked to file a report within three days.

SRINAGAR — In a series of landmark decisions aimed at bolstering Jammu and Kashmir’s administrative, cultural, and economic frameworks, the Administrative Council (AC), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved a range of measures designed to improve governance, enhance cultural heritage, and promote entrepreneurship.

Strengthening the administrative framework

The AC approved the creation of 83 new posts across different ranks in the Prosecution Department, ensuring that each of the Union Territory’s 20 districts will now have an independent Deputy Director. This move, in line with the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, is expected to significantly improve the management of legal prosecutions and expedite the delivery of justice.

Additionally, 772 posts were sanctioned for the Government Railway Police (GRP) to bolster security along the Katra-Banihal railway segment, following recommendations from a Multi-Disciplinary Committee. The creation of these posts spans from the Superintendent of Police down to lower non-gazetted positions, ensuring a robust security presence on this critical route.

In a bid to streamline the functioning of the State Election Commission, 30 new posts were created. This decision will support the smooth operation of the commission, which has been functioning with ad-hoc staff since its inception in 2020.

Cultural revival and support for local artists

In a significant boost to the region’s cultural heritage, the AC approved revised schemes for the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL). These initiatives include the expansion of the Sheeraza publication to include additional languages such as Shina, Balti, and Bhadarwahi, along with the revival of traditional art forms and the promotion of Sufiana and Indian classical music.

The council also introduced new schemes like the Guru Shishya Parampara Scheme, aimed at preserving the mentor-disciple tradition, and the Documentation of Intangible Cultural Heritage initiative, which will systematically archive the region’s rich oral and performing arts traditions. A modern Archival Studio will be established to digitally preserve these cultural expressions.

Furthermore, Rs 50 lakhs have been allocated to establish an Artists and Writers’ Welfare Fund, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting the artistic community. The overall financial outlay for these cultural initiatives is Rs 5.76 crores.

Economic development through entrepreneurship

The AC also approved operational guidelines for the Jammu and Kashmir Startup Policy, 2024-27, which aims to nurture and inspire entrepreneurial talent in the region. This policy will provide comprehensive support to startups through seed funding, incubation, and market access, with the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) as the nodal agency.

Complementing this is the approval of Project YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan), a groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate employment opportunities through entrepreneurship. The project aims to create 1.37 lakh enterprises over the next five years, generating employment for 4.25 lakh youth. With a budgetary support of Rs 1,830 crores and additional funding expected from financial institutions, this initiative is poised to transform the employment landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.

Land transfers for industrial and security infrastructure

The AC also approved the transfer of over 2,292 kanals of land for various developmental projects. This includes land in Kathua and Samba districts for the establishment of industrial estates, which are expected to generate significant employment opportunities.

Additionally, land in Ganderbal district was allocated for the construction of police stations and posts, ensuring better security infrastructure in these areas.

PULWAMA — In a series of coordinated operations, Pulwama Police have achieved significant breakthroughs across multiple fronts, arresting thieves and drug peddlers as well as seizing tippers for illegal mining.

In the first operation, Pulwama Police arrested three individuals involved in a theft case reported by Irshad Ahmad Dar, a resident of Lajoora Pulwama.

The theft, which occurred at an under-construction Sheep Building in Dangerpora Pulwama, led to the registration of FIR No. 163/2024. Following intensive questioning, the suspects—Sheraz Ahmad Bhat of Keller, Mehrooz Mushtaq and Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir of Dangerpora—confessed to the crime.

The stolen water pump was recovered, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In a separate anti-drug operation, Pulwama Police set up a checkpoint at Gangoo Pulwama, resulting in the arrest of two notorious drug peddlers.

The police intercepted a truck driven by Sukhdev Singh of Punjab, recovering 15 kg of poppy straw. Further investigation led to the arrest of Mohammad Yousuf Gadda of Gangoo, who was also found in possession of a substantial quantity of poppy straw.

FIR No. 166/2024 has been registered, and police anticipate further arrests as part of their intensified crackdown on drug trafficking in the area.

Adding to these successful operations, Pulwama Police continued their ongoing drive against illegal mining, seizing two tippers used in the illicit extraction of materials.

The vehicles, bearing registration numbers JK01R-9135 and JK05C-5844, were seized by the Police Post Rahmoo, though the drivers managed to flee the scene. FIR No. 66/2024 has been registered, and efforts are underway to apprehend the culprits.

Meanwhile, the police have urged the people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

SHOPIAN — District Police Shopian, in collaboration with The Kashmir Pulse news portal, organized a programme on cyber awareness at Government Degree College Shopian on Saturday. The program held in the college auditorium aimed at empowering individuals against cyber threats.

Among the key resource persons included chief guest SSP Shopian Ms Tanushree, IPS; ASP Shopian Showkat Rafiq Wani; DSP Headquarter Shopian; DSP DR; SHO Shopian; and State Taxation Officer Sarfaraz Ahmad. Sakeena Jabeen, the host and anchor, conducted the program proceedings.

The event drew a large audience, including school students, teacher faculties, and respected citizens. A cultural program presented by students entertained the audience and kept them engaged.

SSP Shopian Ms Tanushree reaffirmed the police's commitment to tackling emerging cybercrime threats, urging people, especially women, to approach the police with their concerns without any hesitation. She also said that people should not fall for lucrative offers online as these turn out to be scammers' tactics to victimize vulnerable netizens.

Showkat Rafiq Wani shared his experiences in dealing with cybercrime, recounting many cases and the tedious task of tracing cyber criminals to face the law. In a case of sextortion in Pulwama, he said, a victim lost over 55 lakh rupees, which the police managed to recover under his charge but he rued the poor knowledge people have about cyber criminals.

Sarfaraz Ahmad delivered an engaging and humorous presentation on emerging cyber threats and preventive measures, captivating the audience. His immersive style of addressing the audience captured their attention and was applauded for his efforts.

The program concluded with the presentation of mementoes and certificates to guests and participants, followed by a vote of thanks from Sakeena Jabeen.

It is pertinent to mention here that The Kashmir Pulse, known for organizing literary and awareness programs, has collaborated with government departments, including J&K Police and District Administration Pulwama, to educate the public on various issues.

Recently, it published an anthology titled "Perplexed Thoughts - Tales from Kashmir," featuring contributions from local writers and poets.

JAMMU — Since militant activities are on the rise and many foreign militants are active in several districts of Jammu region, security forces have increased surveillance by raising checkpoints in different pockets of militancy-hit areas.

The Kathua and Doda districts are the most affected due to recent militant activities and all major points from where militants can enter into these districts or move around have been sealed and every vehicle is being checked.

According to the news agency KNO, security forces are not letting any opportunity to go waste to get any lead about the militants active in these areas.

Sources said that besides raising checkpoints, security forces have started meeting heads of villages and other people who have stayed in their areas so that militants are not able to get any public support.

“Recently several meetings were held with former public representatives and religious leaders where they were told to help security forces in maintaining peace in the region and not allowing militants to intrude in any way into the society and get any kind of support,” said a source.

The security forces believe that with the support of the public, they will be able to eliminate the militants who are active in the region. “Like in the past, we will be able to defeat the nefarious design of the enemy and these terrorists will meet fate like the past,” RR Swain, DGP J&K had said in the past after recent militant activities.

Moving ahead with this formula, security forces have already started reconnecting with the public, which for the past some time was missing since the militancy-related incidents had gone down drastically.

A highly placed source said that people have been told to inform the nearest security forces establishment if any militant visits their homes for food or any other thing. “Security forces understand that the general public can’t deny terrorists anything but once terrorists leave, people can inform security forces so that they are able to get close to eliminating terrorists," he said.

He added, "But if anyone hides the information, then he or she is not doing any good to him and the society and at that point in time, the person will be considered helping the terrorists, which invites action against him.”

KATHUA — In a major breakthrough in counter-militancy efforts, Kathua Police at Police Station Malhar have arrested two over-ground workers (OGWs) for allegedly supporting militancy-related activities.

As per a police spokesman, "These individuals, identified as Layaqat Ali alias Pawu and Mool Raj alias Jenju, deliberately withheld crucial information from the police, obstructing efforts to prevent terrorist actions."

It said, "Over 100 individuals have been questioned in connection with this case. Preventive measures have been taken against more than 40 individuals to mitigate further risks and disrupt any potential support systems for terrorist activities."

Police urged the public to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station or by dialling 100 or 9858034100.

SRINAGAR — Twenty-five casualties have been reported in the ongoing month of July in eight gunfights and five militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Eleven soldiers and a civilian also sustained injuries in militancy-related incidents this month.

The data available with the news agency KNT reveals that this month, 12 militants including 6 infiltrators and 13 soldiers were killed in Jammu and Kashmir. 10 soldiers were killed in the Jammu region while 3 soldiers died in three encounters in Kashmir Valley.

Joint teams of security forces neutralized six infiltrators this month while six local militants were killed in twin encounters in Chinnibal and Modergam villages of southern Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Out of eight gunfights, five raged in Kashmir Valley. Two encounters raged in Kulgam and three in the frontier district of Kupwara. Two encounters broke out in Doda and one in Poonch district of Jammu region.

Militants carried out five attacks in the Jammu region including Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri, and Kathua.

This month witnessed the maximum number of militancy-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — A soldier and a militant were killed in a gunbattle that erupted on Tuesday evening in Kupwara district of north Kashmir, officials said.

The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps said troops launched a search operation in the Kowut area based on intelligence about the presence of militants.

An encounter ensued when troops challenged suspicious movement, resulting in the death of a militant and injuries to a soldier. The soldier later succumbed to his wounds.

The gunfight resumed in the morning on Wednesday after a brief pause and a militant was killed, police said. The identity of the slain militant was not immediately known.

The operation was still ongoing Wednesday afternoon when this report was filed.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Government dismissed four employees on Tuesday, citing their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, in a move stressing its zero-tolerance policy towards militancy.

The dismissed employees include two constables from the Police Department, a junior assistant from the School Education Department, and a village-level worker from the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

According to an official communiqué, the dismissals were made under Article 311 of the Indian Constitution, which permits removal from service for involvement in activities detrimental to national security. The affected individuals were reportedly found to have engaged in activities linked to militancy and drug trafficking.

Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, a constable from Pulwama, was accused of supplying and transporting arms and ammunition to support militant activities. Bazil Ahmad Mir, a junior assistant in the School Education Department from Kupwara, was implicated in running a drug syndicate and trafficking narcotics with connections to militant networks.

Mushtaq Ahmad Pir, a selection grade constable in the Jammu and Kashmir Police from Kupwara, was found to have established ties with narcotic smugglers in Pakistan, operating a drug cartel in north Kashmir and maintaining links with militant groups.

Mohammad Zaid Shah, a village-level worker from the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, was accused of drug peddling and facilitating the flow of heroin into Jammu and Kashmir from across the Line of Control. Shah was reported to have significant involvement in funding militant activities through the drug trade.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has again emphasized its commitment to rooting out anti-national elements from its ranks, maintaining strict measures against individuals who exploit their positions for nefarious purposes.

SRINAGAR — In a significant development, the Union government has taken over the budget of Jammu & Kashmir Police from the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

As per the news agency KNO, in her J&K’s budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Union government has agreed to take the entire budget of the police from the Union Territory of J&K.

"It is observed that around 11% of the budget of Jammu and Kashmir is used for police. Such expenses on policing being unavoidable, leave limited space for spending on development and welfare projects. I am happy to inform this august House that the Union government has agreed to take the entire burden of the budget of police from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

With this announcement, J&K Police’s budget would no longer be part of J&K’s budget and would be part of the Union budget.

She said that the Central government will now provide for the salary, pension and other costs of Jammu and Kashmir Police for which an allocation of Rs 12,000 crore has been made in the annual budget.

This is for the first time after the reorganization of J&K that J&K Police’s budget has become part of the Union government’s budget.

Under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, police would be under direct control of the Central government as the J&K Legislative Assembly has no powers to make laws on “police” and “public order”.

SRINAGAR — Police on Monday issued a warning against sharing a 'propaganda' video released by Jaish-e-Mohammed, which features a poster from the Bollywood movie Phantom and a photo of actor Saif Ali Khan.

According to a post by J&K Police on X, the video, which runs for 5 minutes and 55 seconds, was released around 2 pm today. The police urged the public not to forward the video and to report its source, including telephone number, date, and time of receipt.

The statement, as per the news agency CNS, emphasized that sharing or forwarding the video is an offence under Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Police and civil officers have also been instructed to report the incident to their supervisory officers.

BARAMULLA — The investigation into the case of trafficking and exploitation of minor girls from outside the Union Territory has revealed the involvement of Ghulam Mohammad Khan, son of Abdul Rehman, from Narbal, and Manzoor Ahmad Shah, son of Ghulam Mohammad, from Janbazpora.

A police team from Police Station Baramulla, led by the SHO and supervised by DySP Headquarters Baramulla, arrested the accused in the case FIR No. 173/2024.

Three minor girls from Rohingya, Burma, were also rescued during the operation.

Earlier, two other accused from Baramulla were arrested, and four minor females were rescued during the initial investigation.