Valley-wide crackdown on hospital lockers, car sellers continue

J&K Police continued its Valley-wide crackdown on hospital lockers, fertilizer shops and car dealers on Friday, November 21, 2025, following the Red Fort car blast in New Delhi on November 10 that killed 15 people. Meanwhile, a hideout of terrorists was raided in Handwara in northern Kashmir.

Lockers in Ganderbal and Handwara districts were checked by special teams of J&K Police, officials said. “In line with ongoing efforts to strengthen security in healthcare institutions and ensure a safe and accountable environment, Ganderbal Police carried out surprise checks on lockers belonging to doctors and staff at various hospitals in the area,” a police spokesman said.

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Police said the inspections were carried out “to ensure transparency and proper adherence to security protocols.” “The purpose of the exercise was to prevent misuse of hospital facilities, prevent illegal activities and strengthen institutional discipline,” police said.

On November 7, he worked as a senior assistant until October 24, 2024. An AK-47 rifle was seized from Adeel Pretty’s locker at Anantnag medical college this month. Dr. Pretty is among two doctors arrested in Kashmir in an inter-state module case.

Police said special teams checked lockers and staff storage areas and sensitized medical and medical staff on the importance of maintaining security, reporting suspicious activities and ensuring hospital spaces are not misused.

In south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, police said a proactive effort was being made “to enhance security and curb illegal activities”.

“Vehicle dealers were strictly checked across the district. A special inspection was carried out to ensure strict compliance with legal norms governing the purchase and sale of vehicles. The inspection also focused on ensuring that unregistered or suspicious vehicles are not stored or traded through unauthorized channels,” the police said.

Authorities said fertilizer warehouses were also under police scanner.

Meanwhile, security forces busted a terror hideout in Kupwara in north Kashmir. The hideout was traced to the Neeriyan Forest area near the Line of Control in Nowgam district, officials said.

Preliminary reports suggested that two M series rifles with four magazines, two Chinese pistols with three magazines, two hand grenades and several live bullets were seized from the hideout.

In Jammu, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma toured Shahsitar in Poonch to assess operational readiness and review the current security situation in the hinterland.

An Army spokesman said the Army officer was briefed on ongoing counterterrorism operations and enhanced deployment measures.