Seasonal Dhoak gutted in upper Sanasar; Police step up vigil, forensic probe launched, SSP Ramban

Ramban, Feb 28: A seasonal mud shelter belonging to a nomadic family was gutted in a suspected arson incident in the upper reaches of Sanasar late Friday night, prompting police to launch a forensic investigation and step up security in the area.

Senior Superintendent of Police Ramban said a District Forensic Mobile Unit has collected evidence from the site and area domination has been intensified to maintain peace and trace those responsible.

The burnt structure belonged to Qasim Din, son of Late Raj Ali, a resident of Kaimal Danga in Udhampur district. Authorities said no one was present inside the Dhoak at the time of the incident, as the family had migrated to Udhampur ahead of the winter season, leaving the structure unoccupied.

Nomadic communities such as Gujjars, Bakerwals and Gaddies traditionally use these seasonal shelters during summer months when they move with their cattle to the highland meadows of Upper Sanasar. The families generally reside there until October before returning to lower areas for the winter.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Arun Gupta, visited the spot soon after receiving information about the fire. He inspected the site, interacted with local residents and officials, and reviewed the security arrangements in the area.

Speaking to media persons, SSP Arun Gupta said the seasonal hut was burnt under suspicious circumstances. He said police have taken cognizance of the matter and a District Forensic Mobile Unit was pressed into service to collect evidence from the site.

He added that area domination in Sanasar, a prominent tourist destination, has been intensified and round-the-clock patrolling strengthened. “Both digital and forensic evidence will be gathered. The investigation has already been initiated,” he said, assuring that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice.

Reacting to the incident, BJP ST Morcha Ramban District President Abdul Gani Choudhary condemned the act, describing it as an attempt to disturb communal harmony in the region. He stated that Gujjars, Bakerwals and Gaddies have coexisted peacefully in the area for generations.

He appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to provide adequate compensation to the affected family, along with free timber and a temporary tent. He also urged local youth and elders to maintain peace and communal harmony, expressing confidence that Ramban Police would soon trace those involved.

Abdul Gani further noted that seasonal Dhoaks have existed in the region since the era of Maharaja Pratap Singh and Maharaja Hari Singh, and that communities have historically lived together peacefully in the Ladadhaar belt.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Akram, a family member of the victim, said the fire caused substantial damage to the structure. He said he was in Udhampur when police informed him about the incident and demanded early justice and appropriate relief for the family.