New Delhi – A woman from Delhi was arrested on Tuesday after a loaded pistol was found in her possession at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta Hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. The woman, identified as Jyoti Gupta, reportedly claimed to be a retired police constable. She was intercepted with the weapon and six rounds at a checkpoint near the 'Bhawan' (sanctum sanctorum) on the night of March 14-15.

The authorities discovered that the license for the firearm was expired by a couple of years. Following this, the Jammu and Kashmir Police registered a case and launched an investigation. An FIR (First Information Report) has been filed in connection with the incident.

Gun Found with Expired License

Gupta, who had the gun in her possession, was stopped at a security checkpoint. Authorities found that the firearm, a loaded pistol, was accompanied by six live rounds. Despite claiming to be a retired police constable, the expired gun license raised significant concerns about her possession of the weapon at such a high-profile religious site. The police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident.

Social Media Influencer and Others Booked for Alcohol Consumption at Katra

In a separate incident, social media influencer Orry and seven others were booked on March 15 for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra, which is the base camp for the pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. This act has stirred strong resentment among the local people, with BJP and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislators calling for strict action against those responsible.

The police received a complaint at Katra Police Station alleging that some guests were found consuming alcohol inside the hotel, in violation of local rules that prohibit alcohol and non-vegetarian food due to the shrine’s proximity. Authorities confirmed the consumption took place despite the property’s policy, which had clearly prohibited such items for guests, given its religious significance.

Names of the Accused

The eight accused named in the case, besides Orry, include Orhan Awatramani, Darshan Singh, Parth Raina, Ritick Singh, Rashi Dutta, Rakshita Bhogal, Shagun Kohli, and Anastasila Arzamaskina. The police have registered an FIR against them for violating local laws and hurting the sentiments of the religious community by disregarding the rules around alcohol consumption in a place of worship.

Government and Police Response

The authorities have taken the matter seriously, with the Jammu and Kashmir Police stating that a special team has been set up to apprehend the accused. Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, Paramvir Singh has directed that stringent action be taken to set an example of zero tolerance for such behavior, particularly at religious sites like Mata Vaishno Devi.

“This kind of behavior cannot be tolerated, especially in such a sacred place. We are committed to ensuring that the sentiments of the people are respected, and strict actions will be taken against those responsible,” a police officer quoted in the statement said.

Both incidents have drawn significant attention. The arrest of the woman with a firearm and the incident involving the consumption of alcohol at Katra highlight ongoing concerns regarding security and respect for religious places in Jammu and Kashmir. As investigations continue, both the police and local leaders have made it clear that such actions, which potentially harm the sanctity of religious sites, will be met with firm action to uphold the law and community values.