Jammu court summons crime branch officer in Rs 500-crore Vaishno Devi row
A Jammu court has ordered a Crime Branch inquiry officer to appear in person regarding allegations of fake silver offerings at the Vaishno Devi shrine. The petitioner seeks an FIR into claims of misappropriation and adulteration of offerings worth Rs 500 crore.
Why it matters
The case involves high-profile religious institutions and allegations of financial corruption, which can significantly impact public trust and administrative oversight of major shrines.
JAMMU: A Jammu court has directed an inquiry officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Crime Branch to appear in person with records related to allegations that “fake silver” worth around Rs 500 crore was offered at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in the Trikuta Hills near Katra.The Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu, presided over by Munish Kumar Manhas, asked the inquiry officer to remain personally present and produce the relevant records on the next date of hearing, scheduled for July 29, 2026, according to news agency PTI.The direction came during proceedings on an application filed by advocate Deepak Sharma, who had earlier submitted a detailed complaint to the Inspector General of Police, Crime Branch, Jammu, and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch, Economic Offences Wing, Jammu.
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