A woman pilgrim from Delhi was apprehended for carrying a loaded pistol at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine atop Trikuta Hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Jyoti Gupta, claimed to be a retired police constable.
She was intercepted at a security checkpoint near the ‘Bhawan’ (sanctum sanctorum) on the intervening night of March 14-15, where security personnel found a pistol along with six rounds of live ammunition in her possession.
Upon verification, it was discovered that the firearm license had expired a couple of years ago. Following this, the police registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the matter. Officials are now probing the motive behind Gupta carrying a weapon to the revered shrine, where stringent security measures are in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
This incident comes just a day after another case involving illegal ammunition was reported at the Vaishno Devi shrine. On Monday, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh, identified as Sanjay Singh, was booked after security personnel discovered two cartridges in his bag during a routine check near the Bhawan.
With two such incidents occurring within days, authorities have heightened security checks and issued fresh advisories to prevent unauthorized weapons and ammunition from being carried into the sacred site.
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Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police registered an FIR against social media influencer Orry and seven others for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel near the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. According to sources, the case was filed at Katra Police Station for violating the District Magistrate’s order and allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
The other individuals named in the FIR include Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, Rashi Dutta, and a Russian national, Anastasila Arzamaskina.
Authorities reiterated that as per the existing police advisory, the consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims undertaking the holy journey to Vaishno Devi.
Commenting on the incident, SSP Reasi issued a strong warning, stating that there is no place for individuals who defy the law or attempt to disturb peace through illicit activities such as drug and alcohol consumption. He assured that those violating these rules would face strict legal action.
Also Read: Orry, 7 others booked for drinking near Vaishno Devi shrine
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