Katra, Nov 04: The Sub-Judge(JMIC), Katra Sidhant Vaid has granted three weeks further time to SSP Reasi and SHO Police Station, Bhawan(Katra) to submit Action Taken Report in a complaint seeking appropriate directions to the SSP Reasi and SHO P/S, Bhawan to register an FIR against the Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra and other officers/officials of the Board who were at the helm of affairs on the date of incident i.e. August 26, 2025 when 35 innocent pilgrims lost their precious lives at Adhkuwari, Katra enroute to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Earlier on 16.10.2025, the Sub-Judge (Judicial Magistrate 1st Class), Katra Sidhant Vaid in a complaint filed by Rohit Bali of Talab Tillo, Jammu seeking registration of an FIR under Sections 105 and 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and other relevant provisions of law against Sachin Kumar Vaishya (IAS), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Katra and other officers/officials of the Board had directed SSP Reasi and SHO P/S Bhawan to submit Action Taken Report with regard to the unfortunate death of 34 innocent pilgrims at Adhkuwari (Katra) on 26.08.2025 as according to the complainant-Rohit Bali the said big loss of pilgrims was due to negligence in the performance of duties by the officers/officials of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra.
Pursuant to the directions of Sub-Judge (JMIC) Katra, SHO P/S Bhawan appeared in person with a written request seeking extension of time by 04 weeks for complying the directions issued by the court on 16.10.2025 and it was informed that with regard to the incident an entry came to be recorded in the Roznamcha (Daily Diary/General Diary) of the Police Post Adhkuwari and the averments of the complaint are being examined to ascertain whether cognizable offence has been committed or the matter requires purely civil or administrative redressal.
The SHO P/S Bhawan in his application has further averred that in view of the far-reaching consequences of the incident and allegations made in the complaint a sensitive approach is indispensable to verify and proceed with the matter.
At this stage of inquiry, the undersigned (SHO) is discreetly examining several local inputs along with the relevant records from other concerned agencies to find appropriate redressal of the complaint and considering the nature of allegations as well as the sensitivities involved, a period of 04 weeks is required to duly verify the matter and to submit a comprehensive report before the Hon’ble court.
After considering the prayer of SHO P/S Bhawan, the court of Sub-Judge (JMIC) Katra Sidhant Vaid granted 03 weeks further time to the SSP Reasi and SHO P/S Bhawan to comply the directions already issued on 16.10.2025 and posted the matter for filing of ATR on 20.11.2025.
Advocate Vishal Gupta appeared on behalf of complainant Rohit Bali who was also present in person before the court.
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