Katra court gives police 3 weeks to file report on Vaishno Devi landslide

A court in Katra has granted an additional three weeks’ time to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Reasi and the Station House Officer (SHO) Police Station Bhawan (Katra) to file an action-taken report on a complaint seeking registration of an FIR against officials of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) for alleged criminal negligence leading to the deaths of 35 pilgrims in a landslide near the cave shrine in August.

Earlier, the Court of Sub-Judge (JMIC) Katra had directed the police to submit an action-taken report on a complaint filed by Rohit Bali, a resident of Jammu. In his plea, Bali sought registration of a case under Sections 105 and 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with other relevant provisions of law, against Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shrine Board, and other officials for alleged negligence in the performance of their duties.

Following the court’s order, the SHO appeared in person before the court and filed a written application seeking a four-week extension to comply with the directive issued by the court on October 16.

According to Advocate Vishal Gupta, counsel for the complainant, the SHO informed the court that an entry regarding the incident had been made in the Roznamcha of Police Post Adhkuwari, and the allegations in the complaint were under examination to determine whether a cognizable offence had been committed or if the matter warranted only civil or administrative redressal.

“The Bhawan SHO in his application further stated that, given the far-reaching consequences of the incident and the serious allegations raised, a sensitive and thorough approach is required to verify and proceed with the matter,” Advocate Gupta said.

He added that the SHO is currently “discreetly examining several local inputs and relevant records from other concerned agencies to ensure a fair and comprehensive inquiry.” The officer sought additional time “to duly verify the matter and submit a detailed report before the court.”

The court granted an extension of three weeks and posted the matter for filing of the action-taken report on November 20.