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Afghanistan Stuns England in Champions Trophy, Earns Praise from Cricket Legends

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Afghanistan Stuns England in Champions Trophy, Earns Praise from Cricket Legends

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar led the cricketing world in applauding Afghanistan’s stunning eight-run victory over England in the Champions Trophy, asserting that their wins can no longer be termed as “upsets.”

Batting first, Ibrahim Zadran’s sensational 177 off 146 balls propelled Afghanistan to 325/7 in Lahore on Wednesday. In response, Azmatullah Omarzai’s five-wicket haul (5/58) dismantled England’s chase, restricting them to 317 all out, keeping Afghanistan’s semifinal hopes alive.

Tendulkar hailed Afghanistan’s meteoric rise in international cricket, stating:

“Afghanistan’s steady and consistent rise in international cricket has been inspiring! You can’t term their wins as upsets anymore, they’ve made this a habit now. A superb century by @IZadran18 and a wonderful five-for by @AzmatOmarzay sealed another memorable win for Afghanistan. Well played!”

Meanwhile, Ravi Shastri took a dig at England’s struggles in subcontinental conditions, urging them to adapt.

“Afghanistan. You guys rock. Kammaaal Kaardi! For England: Take playing in the Subcontinent seriously with no excuses. Only then will you be recognised as a team that can TRAVEL,” Shastri wrote.

Ajay Jadeja, who mentored Afghanistan during the 2023 World Cup, also showered praise on the team and their passionate fans, calling them the “most humble and passionate” supporters.

Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar backed Afghanistan to go beyond the semifinals, while former England captain Michael Vaughan admitted that England’s lackluster white-ball form led to their downfall.

“Brilliant from Afghanistan… Thoroughly deserved win. England just haven’t played good enough white-ball cricket for a couple of years. This result isn’t a surprise in these conditions,” Vaughan remarked.

With this victory, Afghanistan continues to shake up the cricketing world, proving they are now a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

Nation Celebrates Mahashivratri with Devotion and Grand Festivities Across States

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Nation Celebrates Mahashivratri with Devotion and Grand Festivities Across States

Amid chants of ‘Om Namah Shivay’ and ‘Har Har Mahadev’, tens of thousands of devotees thronged temples across the country on Mahashivratri to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and seek his divine blessings.

Uttar Pradesh Celebrations: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led the celebrations by performing ‘Rudrabhishek’ at the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur. He emphasized that the faith displayed by lakhs of devotees in Prayagraj, Varanasi, and across the country symbolizes India’s unity. In Prayagraj, more than one crore pilgrims took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam as the 45-day Maha Kumbh neared its closure.

Grand Processions in Varanasi: Varanasi witnessed a spectacular early morning procession led by ‘naga sadhus’ and ‘akharas’ to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, adorned with lights and flowers. Devotees chanted ‘Har Har Mahadev’ as sadhus, carrying tridents and swords, performed ‘Jalabhishek’. Temple CEO Vishwa Bhushan Mishra assured that arrangements for barricading, water facilities, and crowd management were efficiently in place.

Mass Gatherings in Lucknow and Ayodhya: In Lucknow, devotees queued up outside Shiva temples to offer milk, water, and ‘bel’ leaves to the ‘shivling’. Ayodhya witnessed a massive influx of devotees, with major Shiva temples beautifully illuminated for the occasion. Officials estimated that around 1.5 million devotees had reached Ayodhya by Tuesday, with numbers swelling further on Wednesday.

Reopening of Historic Temple in Sambhal: Prayers were also held at the Kartikeya Mahadev temple in Sambhal, which was reopened after 46 years.

National Leaders Extend Greetings: President Droupadi Murmu greeted citizens on Mahashivratri, wishing continued progress for the nation. In Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Education Minister Ashish Sood visited temples and extended warm wishes, expressing hopes for prosperity and divine blessings.

Devotee Gatherings in Punjab and Haryana: Devotees thronged Shiva temples in Punjab and Haryana, forming long queues outside prominent shrines. Chief Ministers Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana) and Bhagwant Mann (Punjab) extended their greetings, along with Governors Gulab Chand Kataria and Bandaru Dattatreya.

Tragic Incident in Chhattisgarh: In Surguja district, five Shiva devotees, including three minors, lost their lives in an SUV-truck collision. Locals set the truck ablaze after the driver fled the scene. The victims were returning to Revapur village after offering prayers at a Shiva temple in Kilkila.

Clashes in Jharkhand: In Hazaribag, a violent clash erupted between two groups over the installation of flags and a loudspeaker in front of a school during Mahashivratri celebrations. The dispute escalated into stone-pelting and arson, with multiple two-wheelers set on fire. Authorities have brought the situation under control.

Devotional Festivities in Rajasthan: Long queues of devotees were seen at Shiva temples across Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Kota, and Sikar. Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and former CM Ashok Gehlot extended their greetings.

Festive Spirit in Himachal Pradesh: Thousands of devotees participated in Mahashivratri celebrations across Himachal Pradesh. Mandi, known as ‘Chhoti Kashi,’ was beautifully adorned for the occasion, with large crowds at the Bhutnath Temple. Rituals were also observed at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Manali and other shrines across the state.

Nationwide Celebrations: Mahashivratri was celebrated with immense religious fervor in Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, where devotees observed fasts, performed rituals, and gathered in large numbers at Shiva temples across the states.

Maha Kumbh Concludes with Grand Devotional Gathering at Sangam

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Maha Kumbh Concludes with Grand Devotional Gathering at Sangam

The Maha Kumbh, billed as the world’s largest gathering, concluded on Wednesday after 45 days of spiritual fervor. Lakhs of devotees surged towards the sacred waters of Sangam—the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—for a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri.

A Spectacle of Faith and Spirituality

The event saw an overwhelming turnout, with 1.44 crore devotees taking a dip by 6 PM on Wednesday. Since January 13, over 66.21 crore pilgrims visited Prayagraj, exceeding the populations of most countries worldwide. Notable personalities such as President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ministers, and celebrities graced the gathering.

“This is unprecedented in world history and truly unforgettable,” said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Maha Kumbh was a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, where spirituality intertwined with technology, including AI-enabled cameras, anti-drone systems, and an advanced security network that transformed Prayagraj into Mahakumbh Nagar.

A Grand Logistical Feat

The makeshift city, spanning 40 hectares, remained abuzz 24×7 for six weeks. Pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad took their final dips before departing, driven by the belief that bathing at Sangam during the planetary alignments leads to moksha (salvation).

Prominent spiritual leaders and akhara seers participated in three Amrit Snans, including Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), and Basant Panchami (February 3). The Mahashivratri dip, though not an Amrit Snan, was among the six major bathing occasions.

Stampede Tragedy and Political Repercussions

A tragic stampede on January 29 during the second Amrit Snan claimed 30 lives near Sangam, allegedly due to overcrowding. This incident triggered a political slugfest, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee terming it “Mrityu Kumbh,” while opposition parties accused the government of downplaying the toll.

Despite controversies, faith remained unwavering, with pilgrims continuing their sacred baths. A Central Pollution Control Board report on Ganga’s water quality also sparked debates, but the state government refuted claims of contamination.

A Fitting Finale: Aerial Spectacle by Indian Air Force

As the Maha Kumbh drew to a close, the Indian Air Force saluted the devotees with a breathtaking aerial display. Sukhoi fighter jets, AN-32 transport aircraft, and Chetak helicopters performed thrilling maneuvers over the Sangam, leaving spectators in awe.

Unparalleled Security and Global Presence

Over 37,000 police personnel, 14,000 home guards, 2,750 AI-based CCTVs, and 60,000 security personnel ensured a secure and seamless event. Underwater drones, capable of diving 100 meters, provided 24×7 surveillance.

Among the eminent visitors were Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Laura Powell (widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs), and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

Unforgettable Tales of the Kumbh

The Kumbh Mela also saw unique personalities gain the spotlight, including actor-turned-sadhvi Mamata Kulkarni, IIT Baba, and social media influencer-turned-ascetic Harsha Richhariya. The grand processions of Naga Sadhus and high-tech “modern babas” enthralled visitors.

Despite fire incidents and controversies, the Kumbh upheld its tagline—“Divya Kumbh, Bhavya Kumbh, Surakshit Kumbh”—showcasing India’s spiritual traditions while integrating cutting-edge technology for safety and convenience.

For millions, the Maha Kumbh was more than just an event; it was a spiritual milestone, where faith triumphed over all obstacles, leaving devotees with memories to cherish until the next great congregation.

A Delegation from Reasi Calls on Lieutenant Governor

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A Delegation from Reasi Calls on Lieutenant Governor

A delegation of elected public representatives from Reasi, led by Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today. The delegation included Saraf Singh Nag, Chairman, District Development Council Reasi; Baldev Raj Sharma and Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Members of Legislative Assembly. They submitted a memorandum of demands related to the development of Shiv Khori Shrine, promotion of tourism, and upgradation of water, power, and health infrastructure in Reasi district. The Lieutenant Governor assured appropriate action for redressal of the issues projected.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Swarankar Sangh Jammu City and representatives of All India Registered Nurses Federation, J&K, led by its President Vishav Mohan Sharma, also called on the Lieutenant Governor to discuss various public concerns

Maha Shivratri Celebrated with Devotion Across Jammu & Kashmir

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Maha Shivratri Celebrated with Devotion Across Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed grand celebrations on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, as devotees thronged temples with religious fervor and traditional enthusiasm.

Devotees Flock to Temples Across Jammu

In Jammu City, an unprecedented rush of devotees was observed at Ranbireshwar Temple, Aap Shambhu Temple, Peerkho, Raghunath Mandir, and several other Lord Shiva temples. Worshippers gathered since the early hours, offering water, flowers, Bel leaves, milk, and curd to the sacred Shivlingam. Special night-long prayers were organized, with devotees observing fasts and engaging in rituals with deep devotion.

A festive atmosphere prevailed as special langars were arranged by individuals, religious groups, and social organizations across the city, especially near temples. Devotees and passersby were served food and snacks, adding to the spirit of the celebrations.

High-Profile Visits and Security Arrangements

National Conference president and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, accompanied by party colleagues, visited Ranbireshwar Temple, offering prayers and participating in Bhandara service. Several other prominent leaders also visited various temples, extending greetings on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

To ensure a smooth and incident-free celebration, tight security arrangements were put in place. However, the heavy influx of devotees led to massive traffic jams on roads leading to major temples.

Devotees Throng Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi

The Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi district witnessed thousands of devotees offering prayers and seeking blessings. Apart from spiritual rituals, devotees also relished local cuisine at food stalls set up along the shrine’s route.

Srinagar’s Historic Shankaracharya Temple Illuminated for ‘Herath’

In Srinagar, the historic Shankaracharya Temple was adorned beautifully for the festival, drawing large crowds of devotees despite the chilly and wet weather conditions. Locally known as ‘Herath’, Maha Shivratri holds immense significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Long queues of worshippers chanting hymns and performing rituals created a divine ambiance at the temple.

A Grand Celebration of Faith

The Maha Shivratri celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir reflected the deep-seated faith and devotion of the people. With temples resonating with prayers and religious hymns, the occasion was marked by spiritual fervor and communal harmony, making it a truly memorable festival for devotees.

 

PONTING HAILS KOHLI AS THE GREATEST ODI BATSMAN

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PONTING HAILS KOHLI AS THE GREATEST ODI BATSMAN

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has lavished praise on Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, calling him the greatest One-Day International (ODI) batsman he has ever seen. Ponting also believes that Kohli has a strong chance of surpassing legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time ODI run tally.

Kohli recently scored an unbeaten century—his 51st in ODIs—guiding India to a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan in a Champions Trophy clash. The knock not only helped India maintain their dominance over their arch-rivals but also saw Kohli surpass Ponting’s career tally in ODI runs.

“Best ODI Player Ever”
Speaking on ICC Review, Ponting stated, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better 50-over player than Virat Kohli. Now that he’s moved ahead of me in the run charts and only two players remain ahead, I’m sure he will push himself to become the all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs.”

With 14,085 runs to his name, Kohli now joins an elite club that includes Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara and the great Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the all-time record with 18,426 runs.

Kohli vs Tendulkar: The Chase Continues
Though Kohli is still 4,341 runs away from Tendulkar’s milestone, Ponting believes it’s not out of reach. “Physically, he’s as fit as ever and works incredibly hard on his game. It’s crazy to think how good Kohli has been for so long, yet he’s still thousands of runs behind Sachin. That shows how dominant Sachin was and his longevity in the sport,” Ponting remarked.

However, he did not rule out Kohli breaking the record. “With someone like Virat, you never write him off. If he stays hungry, then anything is possible.”

Kohli’s Love Affair with Pakistan Clashes
Ponting highlighted Kohli’s ability to rise to the occasion against Pakistan, citing his match-winning knock in the 2022 T20 World Cup as another example. “Whenever India plays Pakistan, Kohli brings out his best. In a tricky run chase, it needed a senior batter to step up, and once again, it was Kohli.”

Pakistan’s Struggles Continue
While Kohli shined, Pakistan’s batting once again failed to deliver. Ponting pointed out that Pakistan’s senior batters, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, could not rise to the occasion. “They needed to score big runs, but they haven’t been able to do that in the first two games. That’s why Pakistan might not even make the semi-finals,” he added.

Ponting also emphasized the importance of big individual scores in winning matches. “A fifty never wins you games. You need big scores and partnerships. Kohli provided that for India, while Pakistan lacked it.”

Pakistan Cricket Faces Harsh Criticism After Champions Trophy Exit

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Pakistan Cricket Faces Harsh Criticism After Champions Trophy Exit

The Pakistan cricket team continues to face severe backlash following its early exit from the Champions Trophy 2025. Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar delivered a stinging critique, stating that Pakistan would struggle even against a second-string Indian team.

India, the 2023 ODI World Cup finalists, secured a commanding six-wicket victory over defending champions Pakistan in their Group A match in Dubai on Sunday. The loss extended Pakistan’s winless streak in the tournament and ultimately led to their elimination.

“I think a B team (from India) can certainly challenge Pakistan. A C team, I’m not too sure, but a B team would be very, very hard to beat for Pakistan in their current form,” Gavaskar remarked on Sports Today.

Pakistan’s Decline Since 2017

Pakistan’s cricketing fortunes have seen a sharp decline since their 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, finishing fifth in the last two ODI World Cups.

“Pakistan always had natural talent,” Gavaskar said. “Their players may not always be technically correct, but they had an instinctive understanding of the game. Look at Inzamam-ul-Haq—his stance wasn’t perfect, but his temperament made up for it.”

Despite the presence of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic white-ball tournaments, Pakistan has struggled to produce world-class players. Gavaskar compared this to India’s success, attributing their depth in talent to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“India’s young stars come from the IPL. They gain exposure there, play in the Ranji Trophy, and then break into the national team. Pakistan must analyze why they no longer have the bench strength they once had,” he suggested.

Atherton: ‘India vs Pakistan No Longer a Competitive Rivalry’

Former England captain Michael Atherton expressed his disappointment over the declining competitiveness of India vs. Pakistan matches, labeling them one-sided affairs.

“It was completely predictable,” Atherton said on Sky Sports Podcast. “Pakistan’s batting lacked energy and dynamism, just like in their opening match against New Zealand.”

Atherton pointed out that while India vs Pakistan is one of the most anticipated fixtures in world cricket, the lack of competitiveness is a major concern.

“There’s so much hype around this fixture, but the cricket does not live up to it. If you look at their ODI meetings in the last 10 years, Pakistan has only won once—during the 2017 Champions Trophy final. So, it’s a one-sided contest right now.”

Historically, Pakistan leads the India-Pakistan ODI head-to-head record with 58 wins to India’s 73 in 136 games. However, their recent performances suggest they have lost the competitive edge that once defined the rivalry.

With Pakistan’s cricket team facing growing scrutiny from fans and analysts alike, urgent introspection and reforms may be necessary to reclaim their lost stature on the world stage.

Supreme Court Calls for Mechanism to Address Misleading Advertisements

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Supreme Court Calls for Mechanism to Address Misleading Advertisements

New Delhi, February 2025: The Supreme Court on Monday emphasized the necessity of establishing a mechanism for citizens to file complaints against misleading advertisements.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan highlighted the importance of the Drug and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, stating, “This Act is most vital.” The court stressed the need for compliance with its provisions and announced that it would revisit the issue on March 7.

Call for Stronger Enforcement

The bench also addressed the compliance status of Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 in states like Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Puducherry. The Supreme Court had earlier, on August 27, 2024, put a stay on a Ministry of Ayush notification that omitted Rule 170, which prohibits misleading advertisements of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani drugs.

During Monday’s hearing, the bench criticized the Karnataka Government for its inaction on 25 cases of alleged misleading advertisements, citing a lack of material evidence. The court rebuked this stance, stating, “These are only excuses. The state has its own police machinery and cyber cell. Finding the sources of these advertisements is easy if there is a will to do so.” Karnataka has now been directed to submit a compliance report within a month.

Mixed Responses from States

Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing as amicus curiae, noted that Kerala had properly implemented Rule 170. However, several states, including Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, failed to take adequate action. On February 10, the Supreme Court summoned the chief secretaries of these states via video conferencing to explain their non-compliance.

Crackdown on Misleading Advertisements

In a significant move on May 7, 2024, the Apex Court directed that before any advertisement is issued, a self-declaration from advertisers—similar to the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994—must be obtained. The court’s strong stance stems from a plea filed by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in 2022, which alleged a misinformation campaign by Patanjali and yoga guru Ramdev against Covid vaccinations and modern medicine.

The Supreme Court’s directives mark a decisive step towards curbing the spread of misleading medical advertisements and ensuring stricter enforcement of advertising regulations.

Enforcement Directorate Freezes Over Rs 2 Crore in Multi-State Crypto Fraud Probe

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Enforcement Directorate Freezes Over Rs 2 Crore in Multi-State Crypto Fraud Probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday announced the freezing of bank deposits worth over Rs 2 crore after conducting multi-state raids against an Indian national accused of illegally converting crypto assets worth Rs 600 crore through various Indian crypto exchanges.

Massive Crypto Conversion Scam Unearthed

The searches, conducted on February 20 in Delhi, Jaipur (Rajasthan), and Mumbai (Maharashtra), were executed under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

According to the ED, the case revolves around the illegal conversion of cryptocurrency worth Rs 600 crore, followed by the transfer of funds to unknown beneficiaries.

Key Accused: Chirag Tomar

The investigation was initiated based on a news report detailing that an Indian national, Chirag Tomar, had been sentenced to prison in the USA for stealing more than USD 20 million from victims using fake or spoofed websites mimicking the legitimate crypto exchange Coinbase.

Fraudulent Website Tactics

The probe revealed that fraudsters used Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to ensure that spoofed websites appeared at the top of search results. These fake websites looked identical to trusted sites, except for altered contact details.

When users attempted to log in, their credentials were rejected, prompting them to contact the fake customer support number listed on the spoofed website. The number connected victims to call centers managed by Tomar, where scammers obtained access to their accounts and stole crypto holdings.

How Stolen Crypto Was Laundered

  • The stolen cryptocurrency was transferred to fraud-controlled wallets.
  • The assets were sold on the website LocalBitcoins.com.
  • The converted funds were transferred to Indian Rupees through Indian crypto exchanges.
  • The money was eventually routed to Tomar’s and his family’s bank accounts.

Rs 15 Crore Identified, Rs 2.18 Crore Frozen

So far, Rs 15 crore received by Tomar and his family through this fraudulent scheme has been identified. During the raids, multiple bank accounts linked to the Tomar family were frozen, including deposits amounting to Rs 2.18 crore.

The ED also uncovered similar fraudulent modus operandi involving the sale of “doubtful” crypto on LocalBitcoins and its conversion to Indian Rupees through Indian crypto exchanges.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are now probing further into the network of exchanges and financial transactions involved in the scam. The ED is expected to intensify its investigation to trace additional laundered funds and identify all involved parties.

This case marks yet another high-profile cry****pto scam under investigation in India, emphasizing the urgent need for tighter regulations o******n digital currency transactions**.

15-year-old girl from Dandkot Malhut, Darhal (Rajouri) tragically died after receiving an injection at a private dental clinic.

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15-year-old girl from Dandkot Malhut, Darhal (Rajouri) tragically died after receiving an injection at a private dental clinic.

The minor, Asrat Naaz, daughter of Mohammad Shafiq, had a severe toothache and was initially taken to GMC Rajouri, but due to the unavailability of a doctor, she was rushed to a private dental clinic nearby. After examination, the doctor prescribed an injection, which was administered at an adjacent chemist shop. Immediately after receiving the injection, she lost consciousness. Two more injections were administered, but she never regained consciousness.

Seeing the critical condition, the doctor hurriedly transported her to GMC Rajouri, where she was declared dead.

Massive Protest Erupts

As soon as the news of her death spread, large crowds, including her relatives and villagers, gathered outside GMC Rajouri and began a massive protest. Advocate Zaki from Darhal led the demonstration, condemning the negligence of doctors in both government and private clinics. He demanded immediate legal action against the doctor and closure of the clinic.

Authorities Take Swift Action

In response, authorities sealed the Pir Panchal Medicos chemist shop operating alongside Elite Dental Clinic, Khewra, Rajouri, and took its owner Tosif Shah into custody.

Additionally, CMO Rajouri Dr. ML Rana ordered an immediate investigation. A five-member committee was formed under Dental Surgeon Dr. Ghulam Qadir Bhatt to examine the clinic’s records and registration.

Following the authorities’ intervention, the protesters dispersed, taking the girl’s body back home.

Ongoing Investigation

The tragic incident has sparked concerns over medical negligence in the region, with demands for stricter regulations and oversight on private clinics and chemists. Authorities have assured a thorough probe into the matter.

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