SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER, 21:
Authorities on Saturday said to have seized at least twenty-five Cricket kits, intended for distribution, as illegal gratification to lure youth in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
“In a significant development, the Kupwara Police Station today (Saturday) received an official communication from the Election Magistrate, FST-Ist Trehgam, regarding the seizure of a vehicle suspected of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The vehicle, a load carrier bearing registration number JK04B 5496, was intercepted by the Election Magistrate’s team at Gushi, Kupwara,” reads a statement.
“The vehicle, driven by Sajad Ahmad Parray, son of Farooq Ahmad Parray, resident of Kanihama, Budgam, was found to be transporting 25 cricket kits. Preliminary investigations revealed that the material was intended for distribution among the youth in the locality as illegal gratifications to lure the voters, a clear violation of the MCC guidelines currently in effect during the election period,” the statement reads.
“In addition to the driver, another individual, identified as Aaqib Majeed Parray, son of Ab Majeed Parray, has also been arrested in connection with the incident.”
“A case (FIR No. 218/2024) has been registered under relevant sections of law and further investigations are underway to ascertain the full extent of the violations,” reads the statement.
“The Kupwara Police remains committed to ensuring strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and will continue to take action against any individual or group found in violation of the electoral guidelines,” concludes the statement.