Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday apprehended a man attempting to undertake the Amarnath Yatra with a forged registration card at Baltal, a key base camp for the annual pilgrimage. The incident has prompted an official probe to safeguard the integrity of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2025).
The accused has been identified as Shivam Mittal, son of Krishan Mittal, a resident of Dwarka Puri in Jagadhri, Yamunanagar district, Haryana. According to police officials, he used a fake Yatra registration card in an attempt to bypass security checks and illegally access the pilgrimage route.
An FIR has been registered at Sonamarg Police Station under relevant legal provisions, and a thorough investigation has been initiated.
In an official statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Police reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a secure and transparent pilgrimage, warning that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found using fake or invalid documents. Authorities also issued a public appeal for vigilance, urging pilgrims and citizens to report any suspicious behavior.
The incident occurred amid heightened security arrangements for the ongoing Yatra, with thousands of pilgrims making their way to the sacred Amarnath cave shrine.
On June 28, Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat conducted a high-level security review meeting in Udhampur, emphasizing seamless inter-agency coordination and real-time deployment of critical units like drone teams, bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and quick response teams (QRTs).
He also directed that all personnel must be well-versed with their duties and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) established for the Yatra.
The J&K Police reiterated that maintaining the sanctity and safety of the Yatra is a top priority, and any attempts to compromise the process will be met with firm legal consequences.