Man Goes Missing in Ramban Amid Assault Fears, Protests Erupt

Man Goes Missing in Ramban Amid Assault Fears, Protests Erupt

Ramban, Apr 13 (VoM News): A 25 year old man has gone missing in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district amid fears that he was assaulted by a group of unidentified persons before falling into a stream, triggering protests in the area.

The missing man has been identified as Tanveer Ahmad Chopan, a resident of Mundkhal Pogal in Ukhral tehsil.

Officials said initial reports suggest he may have fallen into Nallah Bishlari near Magarkote along the Jammu Srinagar National Highway. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

Soon after the matter came to light, senior officials including the district administration and police rushed to the spot and reviewed the situation. A rescue operation was launched with the help of police teams and local volunteers.

According to locals, Tanveer was travelling from Jammu towards his home in a Tata Mobile vehicle, carrying a milch cow and two calves. They alleged that he was chased by suspected cow vigilantes before the incident occurred.

Some reports suggest he may have been pushed into the stream, while others indicate he could have jumped into the nallah in panic. Officials said all angles are being examined.

Police have registered a case and are scanning CCTV footage from the highway to establish the sequence of events.

The incident sparked tension in the area, with locals staging protests and demanding swift action. Internet services were also reportedly affected following the unrest.

Reacting to the incident, Sajad Shaheen termed it “deeply disturbing” and said such acts have no place in a civilised society.

“I have spoken to the DC and SSP Ramban and urged them to conduct a time bound and impartial investigation. Those involved must be identified and dealt with strictly,” he said, while appealing for calm.

Arjun Singh Raju and senior Congress leader Vikar Rasool Wani also expressed concern and called for a thorough probe into the incident.

Meanwhile, Shadab Wani announced a one day strike in Banihal town on Monday in protest.

Authorities said efforts are underway to trace the missing man, even as tensions continue to simmer in parts of the district.