Surprise inspections follow terror-linked findings in doctors' lockers at Kashmir hospitals.
Security personnel inspect doctors lockers at GMC Handwara during a surprise raid as part of heightened safety measures in Kashmir medical colleges (Photo: File)
Kashmir: In the wake of the Delhi Red Fort blast and the busting of a white-collar terror module allegedly involving medical professionals, authorities have intensified security checks across Government Medical Colleges (GMC) in Kashmir.
On Thursday, a major inspection drive was launched at GMC Handwara, where officials accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Police and an Executive Magistrate conducted a surprise raid of doctors' lockers. Several private and unclaimed lockers were found and broken open during the operation. Security personnel were seen thoroughly checking lockers and verifying documents related to their allotment.
This move comes after an AK-47 rifle was recovered from a locker belonging to a doctor at GMC Anantnag earlier this month. That incident led to the unearthing of a larger terror network, in which over 2,900 kg of explosives were seized and several arrests made.
Authorities said the objective behind these inspections is to prevent the misuse of hospital infrastructure and ensure that no unauthorised access is being given within such sensitive institutions. The inspection drive also aims to bring accountability and transparency to locker management systems across medical facilities.
Doctors at Handwara GMC, speaking exclusively during the inspection, expressed their concern over the recent developments. "We are shocked and disappointed that such criminal acts could be associated with members of the medical fraternity. These actions are not only unacceptable but also damage the credibility of the profession," one doctor said.
The Executive Magistrate overseeing the operation confirmed that all unrecorded lockers would be subject to verification and further inquiry. Instructions have also been issued to update locker inventories and implement stringent checks to avoid any future lapses. Security agencies are continuing similar operations in other medical institutions across north Kashmir in a coordinated effort to neutralize any hidden threats.
