The Indian exponent

08/09/2026

Delhi High Court Calls For High-Level Probe Into Satya Niketan Building Collapse That Killed 7.

08/09/2026

Tainted Former JKCA Officials, Who Took Crores of Loans & Double Salaries, Issued Certificates, Now Defaming JKCA After Successful Rise of Cricket

Jammu, Sept 6: Some former officials of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), facing serious allegations of financial irregularities and other misconduct, are now allegedly attempting to defame the Association and unnecessarily harass its present office-bearers. Some of these former officials have reportedly been associated with matters investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), including proceedings in which properties were attached. A former police officer is also among those facing allegations of having drawn remuneration from both the Police Department and JKCA, an issue that warrants examination of the relevant official records. The allegations have surfaced at a time when JKCA has witnessed a remarkable rise in J&K cricket, including major achievements in domestic cricket, the emergence of players at the international level and J&K cricketers making their mark in the IPL. These former JKCA officials allegedly obtained loans amounting to crores from the Association and failed to repay them. Prominent former cricketers have questioned the manner in which allegations relating to a purported crores-worth scam have been raised. They have stated that, according to records available to them, the amount actually received by JKCA during the relevant sub-committee period was around Rs 140 crore. They have further questioned the attempt to drag BCCI President Mithun Manhas into the controversy, pointing out that, according to their understanding, he was not a signatory to the transactions in question. They have also sought clarification regarding the role of former committee member Sunil Sethi, whose name, they allege, has not been mentioned. Former cricketers have further alleged that the tenure of some former office-bearers was itself marked by serious financial irregularities, including allegations concerning more than Rs 30 crore that allegedly remained unaccounted for. There are also allegations that certain former officials received remuneration from multiple sources and that certificates were allegedly issued to their children bearing identical dates, which were subsequently used in connection with obtaining medical qualifications. These allegations, particularly those concerning certificates and medical qualifications, must be independently verified through the original certificates, institutional records, admission records and other relevant documents before any conclusion is drawn. Meanwhile, cricketers and some former JKCA officials have reportedly sought intervention by the ED and CBI for a detailed investigation into the alleged fraud, corruption and financial irregularities involving former office-bearers. They have urged the investigating agencies to examine original financial records, bank transactions, loan documents, remuneration records, certificates and all other relevant material so that the facts can be established. The cricketers have alleged that the present campaign is an attempt by certain former office-bearers to create controversy, discredit the present administration and regain influence within the Association. They have strongly rejected what they describe as an effort to undermine the achievements of J&K cricket. They have appealed to the competent investigating agencies to examine all sides of the matter without fear or favour, verify the documentary evidence and take appropriate action against any individual found responsible for financial misconduct, corruption, fraud or any other violation of law. The cricketers have maintained that the focus should remain on protecting the interests of J&K cricket, ensuring transparency and accountability, and allowing the Association and its players to continue building on the progress achieved in recent years.

28/08/2026

25/08/2026

First Time in History: J&K to Host Irani Cup

Mithun Manhas’ leadership pushes J&K cricket to new heights

Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir is set to host the prestigious Irani Cup for the first time in history, marking another landmark moment for cricket in the Union Territory and underlining its growing stature on the national cricketing map. The five-day contest will see Jammu & Kashmir take on the Rest of India, bringing one of Indian domestic cricket’s most prestigious fixtures to J&K. The development comes at a time when J&K cricket has been witnessing a significant transformation. Since Mithun Manhas took charge as BCCI President, Jammu & Kashmir cricket has increasingly found itself in the national spotlight, with the region achieving milestones that were once considered difficult to imagine. J&K created history by winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time, and the hosting of the Irani Cup now adds another major achievement to its cricketing journey. The rise has also been reflected in the growing presence of J&K players at the highest levels of the game. Several players from the region have earned opportunities in the Indian Premier League, while others have pushed their claims for national selection and represented India. For Manhas, a “son of the soil”, the latest development represents another step in his efforts to put J&K cricket firmly on the national and international map. His supporters point to the increasing opportunities for young cricketers, improved visibility and the growing recognition of J&K as a serious cricketing destination. The hosting of the Irani Cup is therefore being viewed as more than just another domestic fixture. It is a symbol of how far J&K cricket has travelled and the possibilities that lie ahead for its young talent. While the transformation has been welcomed by young cricketers and cricket followers, sections of the old JKCA establishment may not be pleased with the changes and the new direction of the game. However, the focus among aspiring cricketers remains firmly on opportunities, infrastructure and the chance to compete at the highest level. With the Irani Cup coming to J&K for the first time, another historic chapter is now set to be written in the region’s cricketing history.

24/08/2026

Celebrating my 10th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. We could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

22/08/2026

Jammu Court Convicts Man in ₹4 Lakh Cheque Bounce Case, Sentences Him to One Year in Jail

Jammu, August 21: A court in Jammu has convicted a man in a cheque dishonour case involving ₹4 lakh and sentenced him to one year of simple imprisonment under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.

The judgment was delivered by Sandeep Singh Sen, KCS (Judicial), Sub-Judge/Special Railway Magistrate, Jammu, who also imposed a fine of ₹4 lakh along with simple interest at 6 per cent per annum from the date of the cheque till the date of conviction. The amount recovered has been directed to be paid to the complainant as compensation.

The case stemmed from a commercial transaction between the accused and a Jammu-based wholesale trading firm. According to the complainant, the accused had purchased oil from the firm and issued a cheque worth ₹4 lakh towards the outstanding payment.

When presented for encashment, the cheque was returned unpaid. It was initially dishonoured due to insufficient funds and was later presented again, only to be returned with the remark “Payment Stopped by Drawer.” The complainant subsequently served a statutory notice demanding payment, but the accused failed to clear the amount, prompting the filing of the complaint.

The accused contested the allegations throughout the proceedings. He denied the underlying purchase transaction and claimed that the cheque belonged to a lost or stolen cheque book and had been misused. The defence also questioned the maintainability of the complaint on the ground that the complainant firm was not registered.

The court, however, found the defence insufficient to dislodge the complainant’s case. During the trial, evidence was produced by the complainant, including testimony from witnesses, a Chartered Accountant and a Commercial Tax Officer. A bank official was also examined on behalf of the defence.

A key factor considered by the court was the history of the disputed cheque. The record showed that the cheque had been dishonoured on an earlier occasion for insufficient funds, before the accused claimed that his cheque book had gone missing. The court held that this circumstance seriously weakened the subsequent allegation that the cheque had been stolen and misused.

The court also relied upon the statutory presumptions under Sections 118(a) and 139 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. Since the accused admitted his signatures on the cheque, the court held that the law presumed that the instrument had been issued towards a legally enforceable liability unless that presumption was rebutted by a probable defence.

Referring to several judgments of the Supreme Court, including Rangappa v. Sri Mohan, Bir Singh v. Mukesh Kumar and Kalamani Tex v. P. Balasubramanian, the court observed that a simple denial of liability cannot by itself rebut the statutory presumption attached to a signed cheque.

The court also rejected the objection concerning the alleged non-registration of the complainant firm, holding that the contention did not invalidate the proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

After evaluating the evidence, the court concluded that the complainant had established the offence beyond reasonable doubt, while the accused failed to raise a probable defence capable of rebutting the statutory presumptions.

On the question of sentence, the court noted that cheque dishonour proceedings have an important compensatory purpose. It also took into consideration that the litigation had continued for more than a decade.

The accused was accordingly sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment, besides the ₹4 lakh fine and applicable interest. The entire amount was ordered to be paid to the complainant as compensation.

The court further directed that if the fine was not deposited, the convict would undergo an additional six months of simple imprisonment.

The accused was taken into custody following the pronouncement of the judgment and ordered to be lodged in District Jail. He was also informed about his statutory right to appeal against the conviction and sentence.

07/07/2026

Adv. Junaid Malik The Chenab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the district of Kishtwar and its surrounding regions, represents one of the most ecologically fragile and environmentally sign…

15/06/2026

BADC Demands Flood & Disaster Mock Drills before Monsoon

Jammu, June 15 ,2026: The Jammu and Kashmir Border Area Development Conference (JK-BADC), a registered organisation working for the welfare of border residents and tribal communities, has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to conduct flood and disaster mock drills for the concered officers of the related departments and also for citizens in all border districts before the onset of the monsoon season 2026.

Dr Shazad Ahmed Malik, Chairman, BADC and former Vice Chancellor, said that the monsoon floods of 2025 caused heavy damage across Jammu and Kashmir, including border villages, and exposed serious gaps in preparedness and emergency response. People living in vulnerable areas suffered major losses and faced difficulties due to delayed response and lack of proper arrangements at the local level.

He said such a situation must not be repeated this year. With the monsoon season approaching, JK-BADC stressed that preparedness should begin immediately, particularly in vulnerable and high-risk areas which are often among the worst affected during floods and natural disasters.



Dr Shazad urged the government and SDRF to organise mock drills in vulnerable areas, train local youth and volunteers in rescue work and emergency response, keep tools and relief material ready in flood-prone areas, improve communication systems in remote villages, and conduct awareness programmes to avoid human life loss during floods or any natural disaster.

The BADC organization also appealed to the Chief Secretary J & K , Divisional Commissioners Kashmir and Jammu and all Deputy Commissioners of the districts to issue necessary directions to the concerned departments for clearing bottlenecks and completing preparedness measures in time so that last-minute haste does not put lives of people at risk.

08/06/2026

Hamza Sheikh, the River man honoured by Himalayan Welfare Organisation for Exceptional Bravery in River Rescue and Recovery Operations

Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir: In recognition of his extraordinary courage, humanitarian service, and unwavering dedication towards saving lives and recovering victims from some of Jammu and Kashmir’s most dangerous rivers, noted river rescuer Hamza Sheikh of District Doda was felicitated by the Himalayan Welfare Organisation (HWO), Pahalgam.

The award was presented by Mushtaq Pahalgami, founder of the Himalayan Welfare Organisation and one of India’s most respected environmentalists and social activists. On the occasion, Hamza Sheikh was awarded a cash reward of ₹10,000 in appreciation of his relentless efforts in rescue and recovery operations across the Union Territory.

Hamza Sheikh has earned a reputation for undertaking missions that many would consider impossible. Since the tender age of 11 years, he has devoted himself to rescuing drowning victims and retrieving bodies from turbulent rivers and streams. Over the years, he has participated in numerous rescue and recovery operations in rivers including the mighty Chenab, Kalnai, Lidder, and several other water bodies across Jammu and Kashmir.

One of his most notable and recent efforts was the search operation for Mohd Ashraf, who had drowned in the Lidder River in Pahalgam. Despite adverse weather conditions and the treacherous nature of the river, Hamza remained engaged in the operation for six consecutive days, displaying remarkable determination and courage before the deceased’s body was eventually recovered. His dedication brought much-needed closure to the grieving family.

Speaking on the occasion, Mushtaq Pahalgami lauded Hamza Sheikh’s selfless service and described him as a true hero whose courage and commitment have saved countless families from prolonged uncertainty and grief.

“Individuals like Hamza Sheikh are the unsung heroes of our society. They risk their own lives to save others and to recover those who have tragically perished. His service to humanity deserves recognition at the highest levels,” said Pahalgami.

As a gesture of support, Mushtaq Pahalgami announced that the Himalayan Welfare Organisation would provide Hamza Sheikh with a modern rescue kit and safety equipment to assist him in future operations. He further assured that efforts would be made to arrange formal rescue and disaster-management training for Hamza so that his skills could be enhanced and utilised more effectively during emergencies.

Mushtaq Pahalgami is widely regarded as one of India’s leading environmentalists and grassroots conservationists. For decades, he has worked tirelessly for environmental protection, ecological conservation, disaster awareness, and social welfare in the Himalayan region. Through the Himalayan Welfare Organisation, he has spearheaded numerous campaigns focused on protecting rivers, forests, wildlife, and promoting sustainable development. His contributions have earned him widespread respect among environmentalists, social activists, and local communities across the country.

Residents and social activists present at the event praised the initiative of the Himalayan Welfare Organisation, stating that recognition of brave individuals like Hamza Sheikh would inspire young people to engage in humanitarian work and public service.

The felicitation serves as a testament to the invaluable role played by ordinary citizens who undertake extraordinary acts of courage. Hamza Sheikh’s journey from a young boy assisting in rescue operations to becoming one of the most trusted river rescuers in Jammu and Kashmir stands as an inspiring example of selflessness, bravery, and dedication to humanity.

Many attendees also urged the administration to formally recognise Hamza Sheikh’s contribution to society and provide institutional support to individuals involved in rescue and disaster-response activities, whose efforts often save lives and bring solace to bereaved families.

For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those living along the banks of its mighty rivers, Hamza Sheikh has become a symbol of hope, courage, and humanitarian service.