Aqzar Raheel
GANDERBAL, October 12: In a crackdown on public harassment and misuse of social spaces, Ganderbal Police have detained 20 individuals allegedly involved in intimidating and blackmailing tourists and young couples at popular recreational sites in the district, officials said on Sunday.
The accused were part of a local group calling itself the “Self-Made Gang (16/96)”, which had reportedly been frequenting Abdullah Park, Dumping Park, and nearby riverfront areas to record videos and take photographs of visitors without consent. Police said the material was later used to harass or extort the victims.
An official statement said the group coordinated its activities through WhatsApp and other social media platforms. Acting on credible inputs, police identified and apprehended all 20 individuals. Their parents and guardians were also called in for counselling at Police Station Ganderbal.
However, some habitual offenders were booked under relevant sections of law and lodged in Dignibal Jail, police said.
To prevent similar incidents, authorities have issued dedicated helplines Women’s Helpline: 9541786742; PCR Ganderbal: 9906668731 / 0194-2416564 for the public to report any acts of harassment or suspicious activity.
A police spokesperson said the force remains “fully committed to ensuring a safe, secure, and tourist-friendly environment across all public spaces in the district.”
