The Razor Times-RNN

J&K High Court Upholds ₹15.74 Lakh Compensation to Tanker Driver’s Family

Driver Died of Cardiac Arrest During Return Journey; Court Finds Nexus Between Death, Occupational Stress and Long-Distance Driving

Jammu, October 3 (KNC): The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu has upheld an award of ₹15.74 lakh compensation in favour of the dependents of an oil tanker driver who died of cardiac arrest while returning from Kashmir after unloading the tanker during the course of his employment.

Justice Shahzad Azeem dismissed an appeal challenging the award passed on June 27, 2022, by the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Rajouri, holding that the evidence on record established a reasonable nexus between the deceased’s cardiac arrest and the stress and strain associated with his employment and long-distance driving.

Driver Collapsed During Journey

According to the case, the deceased was employed as a driver of an oil tanker. On May 21, 2021, while returning from Kashmir after unloading the tanker, he became unconscious during the journey at Pampore.

He was subsequently taken to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Pampore, where doctors declared him dead. The cause of death was recorded as cardiac arrest.

His dependents thereafter sought compensation under the applicable employment compensation law, contending that the death occurred during and arose out of the course of employment.

Insurer Challenges Compensation Award

The insurance company challenged the compensation award before the High Court, arguing that a cardiac arrest could not automatically be treated as an accident arising out of and in the course of employment.

The insurer also alleged violation of the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.

The claimants, however, maintained that the deceased suffered the cardiac event because of the stress, strain and demanding nature of his long-distance tanker-driving duties.

Court Finds Employment Nexus Established

The High Court examined the evidence produced by the claimants, including the testimony of the deceased’s wife and the tanker cleaner.

The Court observed that the evidence supported the fact that the deceased was employed as a tanker driver, was undertaking the journey in connection with his employment and collapsed during that journey.

The Court held that the claimants had specifically pleaded and produced evidence connecting the cardiac arrest with the stress and strain arising from the nature of the deceased’s employment.

Supreme Court Judgments Considered

The insurer had relied upon the Supreme Court judgment in Shakuntala Chandrakant Shresti v. Prabhakar Maruti Garvali, arguing that cardiac arrest by itself could not establish a work-related accident.

The High Court, however, distinguished that judgment, observing that in that case there had been inadequate pleading and evidence establishing a connection between the cardiac event and employment.

The Court instead relied upon the principles laid down by the Supreme Court in Mst. Param Pal Singh v. M/s National Insurance Co. and Smt. Dariyao Kanwar v. M/s United India Insurance Co. Ltd.

These judgments recognise that occupational stress and prolonged spells of driving can constitute a material factor in determining whether a death arose out of and in the course of employment, depending upon the evidence available in the particular case.

No Evidence of Alleged Policy Violation

The High Court further noted that although the insurer had alleged violation of the insurance policy, it had not produced evidence sufficient to establish the alleged violation.

The Court therefore found no basis to interfere with the findings recorded by the Assistant Labour Commissioner.

₹15.74 Lakh Compensation Upheld

After considering the pleadings, oral evidence and applicable legal principles, the High Court held that the deceased had died during the course of employment, with the cardiac event attributable to the stress and strain associated with the nature of his duty.

The Court accordingly found no ground to interfere with the compensation award.

The High Court upheld the award of ₹15,74,400, along with interest at the rate of 12 per cent per annum, in favour of the deceased driver’s dependents.

The appeal filed by the insurer was consequently dismissed.

The judgment was pronounced on September 28, 2026, and has been marked “Reportable.”(KNC)...
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J&K High Court Grants Bail to Man Accused Under Section 109 BNS in Nishat Attempt-to-Murder Case

Srinagar, October 3 (KNC): The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has granted bail to a man accused under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in connection with an alleged attempt-to-murder case registered at Police Station Nishat.

Justice Sanjay Parihar, while hearing the bail plea, took note of the rival versions surrounding the incident, the ongoing investigation and a long-standing dispute relating to family property.

The accused was arrested on August 31, 2026, in connection with the FIR registered at Police Station Nishat.

The trial court had initially granted interim bail to the accused. However, the interim relief was subsequently not extended after the court considered CCTV footage which prima facie indicated that the accused had pushed the injured person, who allegedly fell and suffered serious head injuries. The trial court also took note of the subsequent deterioration in the injured person’s condition.

Before the High Court, it was submitted that the statement of the injured had not yet been recorded, as he had been declared medically unfit.

The High Court also considered the statement of the injured’s wife, who was stated to be an eyewitness to the occurrence. According to her statement, an altercation took place involving her sons and husband, during which someone pushed her husband, causing him to fall and sustain a bleeding head injury.

The Court also considered the counter-version presented by the accused, including CCTV material concerning two masked persons who allegedly approached his residence.

The Investigating Officer informed the Court that a counter-FIR lodged at the instance of the accused was also under investigation.

Justice Parihar observed that although the allegation under Section 109 BNS was serious, the Court was required to consider the material collected during the investigation, the present stage of the investigation and whether further custodial detention of the accused was necessary.

The Court ultimately observed that “no useful purpose would be served by keeping the petitioner in further custody” and ordered his release on bail upon furnishing a surety bond of ₹1 lakh.

The bail has been made subject to conditions, including that the accused shall cooperate with the investigation and shall not intimidate, threaten, influence or harass any prosecution witness, including the injured.

The High Court further clarified that its observations were prima facie in nature and confined to consideration of the bail application, and would not prejudice the merits of the case during trial.

Advocate Hakim Ishtiaq Hussain, assisted by Advocate Tauseef Rasool Dar, appeared for the petitioner, while Senior Advocate S.F. Qadiri, assisted by Advocates Numan Zargar and Harris Khan, represented the respondent/UT.(KNC)...
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"Narco-Trafficking Kingpin” Navpreet Singh Deported From Türkiye, Brought Back to India: HM Amit Shah

Accused Allegedly Used Fake Identity to Obtain Turkish Citizenship; 288 Fugitives Brought Back From 36 Countries Since 2019

Srinagar, Oct 3 (JKNS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said India has secured the deportation of alleged narco-trafficking kingpin Navpreet Singh from Türkiye, who, according to the government, had obtained Turkish citizenship under the fake identity of Navab Virk and continued to smuggle he**in and methamphetamine to India from Afghanistan.

HM Shah as per news agency JKNS, congratulates all the agencies for achieving a historic milestone by securing the deportation of hardened narco-trafficking kingpin Navpreet Singh from Türkiye.

In his post on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said “Modi govt has achieved a historic milestone by securing the deportation of hardened narco-trafficking kingpin Navpreet Singh from Türkiye. Obtaining Turkish citizenship under the fake identity of Navab Virk, he had continued to smuggle he**in and methamphetamine to India from Afghanistan. Our agencies tracked him down, ripping apart veil after veil to unmask his true identity, and secured his deportation. Today he has been brought back to India and put behind bars in connection with cases involving drug trafficking and other crimes he is accused of. Congratulations to all the agencies for this success. Modi govt is committed to destroying every narco-cartel before Dec 2029.”

Modi government has launched a coordinated campaign to bring back fugitives. Since 2019 to August, 2026, a total of 288 fugitives from 36 countries have bene brought back to India.

Previous governments lacked the political will to bring back fugitives; Modi government has made the extradition of fugitives a 'national priority'. In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah has emphasized a three-pronged strategy against fugitives: global outreach, strong coordination, and smart diplomacy. Shri Amit Shah has described the issue of fugitive offenders as one that is intrinsically linked to the country's sovereignty, economic stability, law and order, and national security.

The Modi Government enacted the NIA (Amendment) Act and the UAPA (Amendment) Act in 2019, and from 2020 onwards, the process of bringing fugitive offenders back to India was taken up in a mission mode. As a result, enforcement efforts were no longer confined to proscribed organizations alone. The scope of action was expanded to include individual terrorists, handlers, funding networks, and support systems based abroad, significantly strengthening India's ability to pursue fugitives and dismantle their networks.

To strengthen coordination, connectivity, and information-sharing between India and global law enforcement agencies, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah launched BHARATPOL in January 2025. BHARATPOL has created a comprehensive information infrastructure by integrating the CBI, State Police Headquarters (through Interpol Liaison Officers - ILOs), and District Police Headquarters onto a single platform. Under this initiative, more than 1,400 units of State and Central agencies have been connected through the portal, ensuring seamless flow of information. As a result, the response time for information-sharing between the CBI and other law enforcement agencies has been significantly reduced. Today, information sought by the CBI is generally shared by other law enforcement agencies within 10 to 20 days, and in some cases, within 3 to 10 days, substantially improving the efficiency of investigations and extradition proceedings.

The Modi Government has enforced the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) with greater rigor. Through stringent enforcement of PMLA, Modi Government attached assets worth ₹17,874 crore belonging to fugitive criminals between 2019 and 2026.

Over the past three years, Red Corner Notices have been issued against 401 fugitive criminals. 182 Red Corner notices have been issued till July, 2026. (JKNS)...
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Massive Fire Guts 2 Residential Houses and Madrassa Baitul Uloom in Shartpalla, Karnah

Karnah:* A massive fire broke out in Shartpalla, Karnah last night, gutting two residential houses and Madrassa Baitul Uloom.

As per reports, the fire caused extensive damage to property. Locals said this is the third such fire incident in the area in recent years.

Locals have alleged foul play and demanded a thorough police investigation into the matter.

Further details awaited...
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ARTO Baramulla Seals 7 Car Showrooms Over Unauthorized Vehicle Sales

Action follows Transport Commissioner’s directions; dept vows strict enforcement against violators

Baramulla, Oct 3: In a major enforcement drive, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Baramulla, Mudasir Wani, sealed seven car dealer showrooms across the district on Friday for allegedly operating without the mandatory trade authorization, officials said.

The action was taken on the directions of the Transport Commissioner, Jammu & Kashmir, as part of the department’s ongoing crackdown against unauthorized vehicle dealerships and to ensure strict compliance with transport regulations.

According to officials, the inspections were carried out at several locations in the district to verify whether the dealerships were operating in accordance with prescribed rules and possessed all mandatory permissions and documents.

“The drive is aimed at ensuring that vehicle dealers operate strictly as per the prescribed norms and maintain all requisite permissions,” an official said.

The Transport Department has reiterated that strict enforcement measures will continue against establishments found operating in violation of applicable norms. Officials warned that no leniency would be shown to dealers flouting the rules.

The sealing of seven showrooms marks a significant escalation in the department’s efforts to regulate the vehicle trade in north Kashmir and is expected to serve as a deterrent to other unauthorized operators in the region....
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Temporary closure of National Highway on 04- 10-2026 (Sunday) for carrying out the said work. The General Public, commuters and transport operators are advised to use the alternative route via Bandi-Paranpillan-Dachi during the period of closure....
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KULGAM POLICE SEEKS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO ESTABLISH THE IDENTITY OF WOMAN INJURED IN ROAD ACCIDENT.
(Injured at Nipora, Mir Bazar).

PUBLIC APPEAL

An unidentified woman, approximately 75 years of age, was injured at Nipora, Mir Bazar, after being hit by a vehicle. She was immediately shifted to the hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment. Her identity is yet to be established.

Members of the public who may recognize the woman or have any information regarding her identity, family, or whereabouts are requested to contact PCR Kulgam or Police Post Mir Bazar on the following numbers:

📞 +91 78897 86112 — PCR Kulgam
📞 9469950827 — MHC, PP Mir Bazar
📞 7006972695 — IC, Police Post Mir Bazar

Your timely assistance could help reunite her with her family.

The public is requested to kindly share this appeal widely.

Sakeena Itoo Inaugurates Two Old Age Homes, Two Child Care Institutions in Anantnag...
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62 BOTTLES OF JK WH**KY SEIZED, ONE ARRESTED BY MIRAN SAHIB POLICE

Jammu, October 2: Continuing its drive against the illegal possession and transportation of liquor, Police Station Miran Sahib has arrested one person and recovered 62 bottles of JK Wh**ky from his possession.

The accused has been identified as Darshan Lal, son of Chunni Lal, resident of Brijnagar Khariya.

During routine patrolling, a police party of Police Station Miran Sahib intercepted the accused and conducted a search. During the search, 62 bottles of JK Wh**ky, each containing 180 ml, were recovered from his possession.

The recovered liquor was seized as per the prescribed legal procedure. In this connection, FIR No. 154/2026 under Section 48-A of the Excise Act has been registered at Police Station Miran Sahib.

Further investigation into the case is in progress....
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