Banihal, April 13:Authorities in Ramban district have intensified efforts to trace a missing youth after a 25-year-old man from Pogal area disappeared on Sunday evening under suspicious circumstances. The youth, identified as Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, is believed to have entered Nallah Bishlari near Makerkoot while allegedly attempting to escape from a group of individuals.
The incident triggered protests by local residents along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) near Makerkoot, where demonstrators briefly blocked traffic, demanding swift action and transparency in the investigation.
Police officials confirmed that a formal case has been registered as FIR No. 26/2026 at Ramsoo Police Station in connection with the incident. Four persons have been arrested and identified as Surjeet Singh, Sandeep Singh, Digvijay Singh, and Keval Singh, residents of Seri Ramban and Ramban town. The accused are currently being held at Banihal Police Station for further questioning.
Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Surinder Singh Biloria to conduct a thorough probe into the matter. Officials stated that all aspects of the incident are being examined.
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations in Nallah Bishlari are ongoing with assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Authorities said efforts will continue until the missing youth is traced, while the overall situation in the area remains under close monitoring.
