A Srinagar-bound sleeper bus registered in Jammu and Kashmir was attacked with bricks and stones on Saturday night near Nilokheri in Karnal district, Haryana, leaving an elderly passenger injured and several windowpanes smashed, the bus operator and police said.
Incident and immediate aftermath
The bus, operated by Star World Ventures, had departed Delhi at about 4 pm carrying around 40 passengers, the operator told reporters. The attack occurred while the vehicle was stopped for a halt and dinner at Divine Star Dhaba along the Delhi–Srinagar national highway, under the jurisdiction of Butana police station.
According to the operator, an initial argument took place when two men in a Baleno car allegedly confronted the driver and tried to assault him. They left the scene but later returned on a motorcycle and began smashing the bus windows with stones and bricks, videos circulating on social media showed.
Injuries and damage
An elderly Kashmiri passenger sustained injuries during the attack. The bus owner said several windowpanes were broken. There has been no official update on the passenger's current medical condition from police or health authorities as of the latest reports.
| Detail | Reported information |
|---|---|
| Departure time | 4 pm from Delhi |
| Location of attack | Divine Star Dhaba, near Nilokheri (Butana police station) |
| Passengers on board | Around 40 |
| Injuries | One elderly passenger injured |
Reactions and official responses
The Office of Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took up the matter with the Haryana government after videos of the attack circulated on social media. The CMO said it had conveyed concern for the safety and well‑being of the passengers and that the Haryana administration had assured "prompt and stringent action in accordance with the law."
"This unfortunate incident should never have taken place," Omar Abdullah wrote on X, adding he hoped the Haryana government and police would catch those responsible so such incidents do not recur.
Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir responded strongly. PDP legislator Waheed ur Rehman Para described the episode as a "hate crime" and demanded arrests and accountability. Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq called the reports "disturbing", urging authorities to ensure the safety of Kashmiri travellers and to take swift legal action against perpetrators.
J&K BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur said targeting people for their Kashmiri identity was unacceptable and stressed that Kashmiris deserved dignity and respect everywhere in the country.
Police action and investigation
The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Butana police station, Karnal district. Police have not released a detailed statement with names of accused or firings as yet. The Haryana administration, according to the J&K CMO, has assured that action under relevant provisions of law will be taken. There was no immediate confirmation from Haryana Police about arrests or further investigative steps in the publicly available reports.
Context and concerns
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of vehicles registered in Jammu & Kashmir travelling outside the union territory. Political figures in J&K expressed alarm over reports of threats and assaults on people from the region and called for effective protection and accountability.
- Who was affected: Around 40 passengers on board, with one elderly passenger injured.
- Where it happened: Divine Star Dhaba, near Nilokheri, Karnal district (Butana police station area).
- What is being sought: Arrests and strict legal action, according to J&K officials and political leaders.
As the case develops, authorities in Karnal are expected to provide updates on FIR registration, suspects and the condition of the injured passenger. Travellers and bus operators on interstate routes may seek additional assurances from local administrations over security arrangements at roadside halts.
