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Press Club of India Condemns Seizure of Journalist Jehangir Ali’s Mobile Phone in J&K

New Delhi, December 19, 2025 (Ishan Times Bureau): The Press Club of India (PCI) has strongly condemned the Jammu and Kashmir Police for seizing the mobile phone of senior journalist Jehangir Ali, The Wire’s long-time correspondent in the region, from his residence in Budgam on the evening of December 17. Although the phone was returned after 24 hours, the PCI expressed serious concern that the seizure was carried out without any FIR, warrant, court order, or legal documentation, and without disclosing any reason to the journalist. The Club further pointed out that the police failed to follow mandatory legal safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court, including the recording and sharing of the hash value of the seized electronic device, a critical step to ensure data integrity and prevent tampering. The PCI noted with alarm that the action occurred while Jehangir Ali was engaged in investigative reporting on allegations of nepotism and corruption related to a hydropower project in Kishtwar. According to The Wire, Ali was actively pursuing another lead in the same investigation at the time of the police action, raising serious concerns about intimidation and retaliation against journalists involved in public-interest reporting. Describing the incident as part of a broader pattern of harassment of journalists in Jammu and Kashmir, the PCI said such actions have intensified since the abrogation of Article 370 and have created a chilling effect on press freedom in the region. The organisation warned that such practices undermine constitutional guarantees of free speech and the public’s right to information. The Press Club of India urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure that journalists can carry out their professional duties without fear, intimidation, or unlawful interference.

Breaking News, Political Leadership

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty Elected First Woman President of Press Club of India

New Delhi,(Ishan Times):In a landmark development for Indian journalism, senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty was on Sunday elected as the first woman President of the Press Club of India (PCI), marking a historic step toward inclusive leadership and gender representation in one of the country’s most influential media institutions. The elections, held on December 13, witnessed an overwhelming mandate in favor of Pisharoty’s panel, which secured a clean sweep of all 21 positions, including office-bearers and Managing Committee seats. Pisharoty won the presidential race decisively, polling 1,019 votes, while her nearest rivals Atul Mishra and Arun Sharma received 129 and 89 votes, respectively. For the post of Secretary-General, Afzal Imam registered a comprehensive victory with 948 votes, defeating Gyan Prakash, who polled 290 votes.Jatin Gandhi was elected Vice-President with 1,029 votes, winning by a margin of over 900 votes.Meanwhile, Aditi Rajput (Treasurer) and PR Sunil (Joint Secretary) were elected unopposed. Managing Committee Results In the elections for the 16-member Managing Committee, Niraj Kumar topped the list with 932 votes, followed by Abhishek Kumar Singh (911), Jahanvi Sen (903), Ashok Kaushik (892), Kallol Bhattacharjee (882), Praveen Jain (878), Agraj Pratap Singh (865), Manoj Sharma (861), Nyanima Basu (851), PB Suresh (838), VP Pandey (833), Prem Bahukhandi (831), Sneha Bhura (829), Javed Akhtar (823), Rezaul Hasan Laskar (781), and Sunil Kumar (780). The results were formally announced at the PCI lawns by Chief Election Commissioner MMC Sharma in the presence of a large gathering of journalists. Reacting to the outcome, Pisharoty said the verdict reflected the members’ collective confidence in the panel’s vision to uphold the values of free, fair, and responsible journalism. Outgoing PCI President Gautam Lahiri and former Secretary-General Neeraj Thakur welcomed the outcome, calling the election of the first woman President a strong reaffirmation of PCI’s commitment to equality, diversity, and democratic ideals.

Breaking News, General

Haryana Police’s ‘Operation Hotspot’: Raids at Over 700 Locations, 165 Arrested, Large Quantity of Drugs and Illegal Weapons Seized

Chandigarh, 5 December (Ishan Rai). Haryana Police conducted a large-scale and intensive campaign under ‘Operation Hotspot Domination’ to strengthen law and order in the state and create fear among criminals. During this special drive conducted on 4 December 2025, various police teams simultaneously raided 707 identified hotspots (crime-prone areas) across the state. As a result of the police’s swift and coordinated action, a total of 92 new criminal cases were registered and 165 accused involved in various offences were arrested and sent behind bars within just one day. Crushing Drug Networks and Arresting Drug Traffickers Reaffirming its resolve to make the state drug-free, the police dealt a major blow to drug dealers during this operation. Ground-level raids led to the recovery of a large quantity of narcotics. Across different districts, police seized a total of 4.33 kg ganja, 218 grams opium, 2 kg doda post, and more than 85 grams heroin. Additionally, 890 intoxicating tablets and 23.5 grams smack were recovered from drug traffickers. The operations in districts like Sirsa and Fatehabad especially inflicted significant damage on drug networks, sending a clear message that there is no place for drug trafficking in Haryana. Major Crackdown on Illegal Liquor and Weapons Illegal liquor and illegal arms remain major challenges in the world of crime, and the operation focused specifically on curbing these. Police teams seized a large quantity of illicit liquor across the state, including 839 bottles of country-made liquor, English liquor, and other illegal liquor—amounting to over 1000 bottles in total. Along with this, 570 litres of lahan was also confiscated. The police achieved success against illegal weapons as well, recovering 3 pistols and 5 live cartridges from criminals. Five new cases under the Arms Act were registered, and 5 accused were arrested. Encircling Gangsters and Violent Criminals Haryana Police’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against organised crime and gangsters was clearly visible in this campaign as well. Using an active intelligence network, the police succeeded in arresting 22 dangerous and violent criminals. Additionally, inter-state coordination was strengthened with neighbouring states by sharing 15 important intelligence reports to prevent criminals from exploiting state borders. In this sequence, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued in Fatehabad, and a proposal was sent to cancel the passport of a violent offender to prevent him from fleeing abroad. Bulldozing Illegal Properties and Attachment of Crime Proceeds The police have not limited their action to arresting criminals but have also begun targeting property earned through crime. Delivering an economic blow, police in Fatehabad attached (seized) the illegally acquired property of a violent criminal. In Hansi district, police and district administration jointly demolished 3 illegal encroachments made by violent offenders. This step aims to dry up criminals’ financial sources and send a strong message that property earned through crime will not remain safe. The Human Face of Khaki: Service Along with Security While the police acted fiercely against criminals, they also extended humanitarian support to those in need. ‘Operation Hotspot’ was not limited to catching criminals; it also highlighted the police’s community responsibility. During duty, police personnel assisted 399 people across the state who were in distress or required help. This demonstrates that while Haryana Police is strict in enforcing the law, it is equally sensitive when it comes to service and public safety. Swift Police Action in Youth Murder Case: Special Detective Unit Arrests a Suspect In a brutal murder case of a youth in the City Police Station area of Kaithal, the district police showed remarkable promptness. According to the police spokesperson, Rakesh Kumar’s 20-year-old son Ashu, a resident of Deha Basti who ran a grocery shop, left home on 4 December after receiving a phone call but did not return. Later, his body was found in bushes near Ramnagar railway crossing, with deep injury marks on his head. Understanding the seriousness of the case, SP Upasana immediately handed over the investigation to the Special Detective Unit (SDU) and CIA-1, directing them to solve the case on priority. The police’s swift action bore fruit and the SDU arrested a suspect, who is now being interrogated thoroughly. Police Action in University Gate Firing and Vandalism Case: 3 Suspects Detained In the daring act of firing and vandalism at the NIILM University gate in Kaithal, police acted swiftly and detained three suspects. Acting on the statement of the victim student, Nitin, the police reported that around noon on 4 December, some youths travelling in a black Scorpio quarrelled with students at the gate, damaged property with sticks, and attempted to run their vehicle over them. During this, the accused opened fire, and a bullet hit Nitin’s left leg. The attackers have been identified as Karan, Arun, Siddhanshu, and Harsh alias Hanny, among others. As soon as information was received, the Special Detective Unit took charge and detained three suspects, who are currently being questioned regarding the incident. Police Strike Against Cyber Fraudsters: 22 Arrested and ₹59 Lakh Saved from Fraud Under the ongoing campaign against cybercrime, police have delivered outstanding performance in the last 24 hours. A total of 309 complaints were received on Cyber Helpline 1930, involving an attempted fraud amount of around ₹88,36,208. The cyber team acted swiftly and intelligently and froze ₹59,14,533 (about 66.94 percent) of the amount before it could reach the fraudsters’ accounts. In one special case, due to timely reporting by the victim, the team held back ₹91,976 (83.25%) out of ₹1,10,476. Additionally, police arrested 22 cyber criminals in separate cases, recovered ₹2.53 lakh from them, and refunded ₹30,51,748 to victims’ bank accounts.

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