District police officials accompanied by authorities from GMC Doda conduct a search of doctors’ cabinets as part of an exercise to maintain discipline and prevent misuse of facilities in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir on November 20, 2025. Photo credit: PTI
The J&K Police on Friday (Nov 21, 2025) continued a valley-wide crackdown on hospital lockers, fertilizer shops and car dealers following the Red Fort car blast in New Delhi that left 15 dead on 10 November. Meanwhile, a terrorist hideout was busted in North Kashmir’s Handwara.
Officials said the lockers in Ganderbal and Handwara districts were checked by special teams of J&K Police. “In line with the ongoing effort to enhance security and maintain a safe and responsible environment in healthcare facilities, the Ganderbal Police conducted a surprise inspection of the lockers of doctors and staff at various hospitals across the district,” a police spokesperson said.
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The police said the inspection drives were conducted “to ensure transparency and proper adherence to security protocols”. “The objective of the exercise was to prevent any misuse of hospital premises, curb illegal activities and strengthen institutional discipline,” the police said.
On November 7, an AK-47 rifle was found in the locker of Dr. Adeela Rathera this month at Anantnag Medical College, where he worked as a senior resident till October 24, 2024. Dr. Rather is among the two doctors arrested from Kashmir in the interstate pods case.
Police said special teams inspected staff lockers and storage areas and advised medical and non-medical staff on the importance of maintaining security, reporting suspicious activity and ensuring hospital premises are not misused.
In south Kashmir’s Anantnag, police said they were actively trying to “enhance security and curb illegal activities”.
“Strict inspection of vehicle dealers was carried out throughout the district. A special drive was conducted to ensure strict compliance with legal norms governing the sale and purchase of vehicles. The drive was also aimed at preventing the storage or trading of unregistered or suspicious vehicles through unauthorized routes,” the police said.
Officials said fertilizer shops were also under the police scanner.
Meanwhile, security forces have busted a terrorist hideout in North Kashmir’s Kupwara. Officials said the hideout was traced in the Neeriyan Forest area near the Line of Control in Nowgam sector.
Preliminary reports indicated that two M-series rifles with four magazines, two Chinese pistols with three magazines, two hand grenades and several live rounds were recovered from the hideout.
In Jammu, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited Shahsitar in Poonchi to assess operational readiness and review the prevailing security situation in the hinterland.
An army spokesman said the army officer was briefed about the ongoing anti-terrorist operations and enhanced deployment arrangements.
Published – 21 Nov 2025 21:18 IST
