Police detains members of 16/96 group of miscreants in Ganderbal, involved in harassment of tourists & visitors

GANDERBAL: In a decisive action to curb rising incidents of harassment at tourist destinations, Police in Ganderbal have identified and booked a group of 20 miscreants involved in harassing young couples and tourists visiting Abdullah Park, Dumping Park, and adjoining areas along the river — popular recreational sites within the district.

The group, locally known as the “Self-Made Gang (16/96),” used to frequent these public places, click photographs and videos of visiting couples and tourists without consent, and subsequently resort to intimidation, blackmail, and harassment of innocent persons on various pretexts for personal gains. During enquire, it came to fore that the group maintained WhatsApp and other social media groups to coordinate such unlawful activities.

Taking strong cognizance of the matter, police teams swiftly identified and apprehended all 20 individuals involved. Their parents and guardians were also summoned to the Police Station Ganderbal for counselling sessions aimed at preventing such behaviour in the future. However, considering the repeated involvement of some among them in similar acts, a few habitual offenders have been booked under relevant sections of law and sent to Dignibal Jail as per legal proceedings.

To ensure the safety and dignity of the public, Ganderbal Police has also issued a dedicated Helpline No.s (Womens helpline No. 9541786742, PCR Ganderbal 9906668731, 01942416564,) for reporting any such incidents or harassment-related complaints. J&K Police reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and tourist-friendly environment across all public places. Public is advised to report any incident of harassment or suspicious activity immediately for prompt police action.