BJP suspends Pulwama district president over extortion allegations

The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended Pulwama district president Syed Showkat Gayoor Andrabi from all organizational posts and responsibilities. The decision follows the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) involving allegations of extortion, criminal intimidation, and the obstruction of authorized work.

A contractor filed a complaint alleging that Andrabi demanded money to allow soil extraction and transportation to continue, while also threatening workers with the invocation of the Public Safety Act. The police have registered the case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including wrongful restraint and attempted extortion.

BJP J&K General Secretary Mohammad Anwar Khan issued the suspension order on behalf of the party. The action was taken upon the recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee chairman, Sunil Sethi, and in consultation with J&K BJP president Sat Sharma. The party stated that the suspension is intended to uphold organizational values and ethical standards while disciplinary proceedings are conducted in accordance with the party constitution.