Avinash Azad
A Tatamobile driver has reportedly gone missing following an alleged assault incident near Magarkote area in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, triggering concern among locals and a surge of unverified claims on social media.
According to initial reports, the youth identiied as Tanvir Ahmed, was allegedly attacked by suspected cow vigilantes in the area. It is further being claimed in some social media posts that, in an attempt to save his life, the youth jumped into a nearby nallah and was washed away, while the attackers allegedly chased him for a considerable distance. However, these claims remain unverified and have not been officially corroborated.
The exact sequence of events is still unclear, with no official confirmation yet on the nature or motive of the incident. Amid growing speculation online, District Police Ramban issued a rebuttal, cautioning the public against circulating unverified and misleading information. Police stated that certain individuals were sharing incorrect details related to the incident near Magarkote bridge, Ramsoo, which could potentially create panic and disturb public order.
“It has been observed that some individuals are posting unconfirmed and incorrect information related to an unfortunate incident… which has the potential to create anxiety and unrest among certain sections of society,” the police said in a statement.
Authorities have urged people to exercise restraint and refrain from posting or sharing unverified content on social media platforms, emphasizing the need to maintain communal harmony and law and order.
In some videos circulating on social media, locals have claimed that the youth was not involved in bovine smuggling but had legally purchased a cow and was transporting it to his home when he allegedly came under attack. “There are several police checkpoints where documents and permissions for the transportation of bovine animals are verified, yet some anti-social elements appear intent on creating communal tension in the area. The police and district administration should take necessary action in the case to prevent such incidents in the future. Those responsible for the attack should be booked on murder charges,” an agitated local said, expressing resentment over what was described as a parallel system being run by alleged anti-social elements.
Meanwhile, Police Station Ramsoo has taken cognisance of the matter and initiated an investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the disappearance of the youth. Search efforts are underway to trace the missing individual and establish the circumstances leading to the incident.
Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, and SSP Ramban, Arun Gupta, have assured that the situation is being closely monitored, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance in the area following the incident. They emphasized that appropriate legal action will be taken strictly in accordance with the findings of the ongoing investigation, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to accountability and law enforcement.
SSP Ramban, who personally visited the site to assess the ground situation, informed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the matter. “A SIT has been constituted, headed by SDPO Banihal, to investigate the case,” he said, adding that all aspects of the incident are being thoroughly examined. He further noted that CCTV footage from the surrounding area is also being analysed to gather crucial evidence. Further details are awaited as the probe progresses.
