Srinagar: With less than a month left for the commencement of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified both security preparations and vigilance measures along the pilgrimage route.
While senior police officers reviewed arrangements at the Baltal base camp, Ganderbal Police simultaneously busted an alleged fraud racket targeting vendors and service providers associated with the yatra.
Kashmir Inspector General of Police V.K. Birdi on Thursday visited the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district to assess the progress of security and logistical preparations for the pilgrimage scheduled to begin on July 3.
Accompanied by DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Pandey and SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama, the IGP inspected facilities established for Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel deployed for the yatra.
The officers reviewed accommodation arrangements, communication facilities, security infrastructure and other essential services being put in place for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Birdi directed officers to maintain the highest level of preparedness and ensure that all arrangements are completed well before the arrival of pilgrims.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Meanwhile, in a significant operation ahead of the yatra, Ganderbal Police arrested a man accused of impersonating a government employee and allegedly defrauding vendors and service providers by promising facilitation and access-related assistance.
Police identified the accused as Mohd Ayob Jara, a resident of Androola in Poonch district. According to investigators, he was operating in the Domail area of the Baltal route and falsely presenting himself as a government official deployed along the Amarnath Yatra axis.
The accused allegedly approached vendors and service providers visiting the area and offered to facilitate pilgrimage-related arrangements in exchange for money. Police said he used the fake identity to gain the confidence of potential victims and obtain financial benefits.
Following credible inputs received on May 27, Police Station Sonamarg registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched an investigation. The accused was arrested on June 3 and further investigations are underway to determine the extent of the alleged fraud and identify any associates or victims.
Police have urged vendors, service providers and members of the public connected with the Amarnath Yatra to verify the credentials of individuals claiming to represent government agencies before entering into any financial transactions.
