BARAMULLA, Feb 6: An enquiry has been ordered into allegations of misconduct by officials of the Municipal Committee Tangmarg–Gulmarg following a controversy linked to a routine market checking drive in the Tangmarg area of North Kashmir.
According to an official communication issued by the Municipal Committee, the matter has been referred to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gulmarg for intervention after allegations surfaced against municipal staff during an anti-encroachment drive.
The drive was conducted to prevent road encroachment by street vendors. The committee said a large number of vendors selling caps, gloves and socks were found operating near the toll post, causing traffic congestion and accumulation of plastic waste in the area.
The letter stated that plastic covers of the items being sold were found scattered at the site, leading to garbage buildup. During the checking drive, certain goods belonging to vendors were seized as per established procedure.
However, while the seizure process was underway, a video allegedly showing an assault on a vendor by municipal workers was recorded by an unidentified person and later circulated on social media platforms, triggering controversy and allegations against the municipal staff.
The communication further said that the official seen in the viral video has been identified and details attached with the report. An enquiry committee has been constituted to ascertain the facts and has been directed to submit a detailed factual report within three days.
The Municipal Committee has sought the SDM Gulmarg’s intervention to ensure clarity in the matter and appropriate action based on the enquiry findings.
Officials said any further action will be taken after the enquiry report is submitted and examined by the competent authority. (KNT)
