Pilgrims’ deaths in Adhkuwari landslide incident: Sub Judge Katra seeks ATR from SSP Reasi, SHO Bhawan

Jammu, Oct 24: Sub-Judge (JMIC), Katra Sidhant Vaid has directed SSP Reasi and SHO Bhawan in Katra to submit Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks in a complaint, seeking “appropriate directions to them (SSP, SHO) to register an FIR against the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Katra and other officials” for their alleged “criminal negligence resulting in death of 35 pilgrims (in a landslide incident) at Adhkuwari enroute Vaishno Devi shrine on August 26, 2025.”

These directions were issued by the Sub-Judge (Judicial Magistrate 1st Class), Katra Sidhant Vaid in a complaint filed by Rohit Bali, son of Darbari Lal Bali, resident of Talab Tillo, Jammu seeking registration of an FIR under Sections 105 and 106 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and other relevant provisions of law against CEO, SMVDSB and senior IAS officer, Sachin Kumar Vaishya and other officers and officials of the Board.

The complaint was filed in terms of Section 175 (3) BNSS, 2023.

The complainant alleged that on August 26, 2025, the entire J&K was on ‘Red alert’ due to incessant rains, flash floods and cloudbursts and moreover, Meteorological Department and J&K Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) had also issued warnings and weather advisories on August 25, 2025.

“Despite that the CEO, SMVDSB Katra did not issue any advisory nor ordered the immediate stoppage of Yatra. Due to this criminal negligence on his (CEO’s) part and other officials of SMVDSB, Katra, responsible for the safe and smooth conduct of the holy pilgrimage from Katra base camp to Bhawan (shrine), the Yatra continued with the result more than 35 innocent Yatris, belonging to the different parts of the country, were killed at Adhkuwari, enroute Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan and several others were injured,” the complainant alleged.

The complainant, who has annexed copies of the weather advisory and ‘Red alert’ issued by Meteorological Centre, Srinagar and JKUTDMA on August 25, 2025, alleged that on August 28, 2025, he made a complaint to the SHO Police Station, Bhawan and Incharge Police Post, Adhkuwari but no action was taken.