Karnal, October 18, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has condemned the stone-pelting incident involving a Srinagar-bound passenger bus in Haryana’s Karnal district, calling on the Haryana government to take strict action against those responsible. Police have arrested two accused in connection with the incident, while an investigation is underway.
The incident occurred late Saturday night when a private sleeper bus carrying passengers towards Srinagar was allegedly attacked with stones and bricks at a roadside eatery near Nilokheri. Images and videos showing damage to the bus went viral on social media, triggering concern over the safety of passengers travelling in Jammu and Kashmir-registered vehicles.
According to Karnal police, the case was registered following a complaint by the manager of Divine Star Dhaba, where the incident took place. Police said two occupants of a white Maruti Baleno, identified as Mohit and Sawan, were detained at the scene and subsequently arrested. The vehicle involved has also been taken into custody.
Omar Abdullah Seeks Strict Action
Condemning the incident, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Haryana Police to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice and that similar incidents did not recur.
In a post on X, Abdullah said: “This unfortunate incident should never have taken place. I hope the Haryana government led by @NayabSainiBJP ji and @police_haryana catch the culprits and take action to ensure these things don’t happen again.”
His intervention came amid growing concern in Kashmir over reports of an attack on a bus bearing a Jammu and Kashmir registration number.
National Conference Calls It a Hate Crime
National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar described the incident as an alleged hate crime and demanded stringent action against the perpetrators.
In his post on X, Dar said stones and bricks had been thrown at a Jammu and Kashmir-registered bus travelling on the Delhi-Srinagar route in Haryana. He also referred to reports that an elderly Kashmiri passenger had sustained injuries in the incident.
Dar condemned the attack and urged Haryana Police to identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action, highlighting the fear and distress such incidents can cause among passengers and their families.
Karnal Police Say Dispute Began Over Parking
Karnal Superintendent of Police Karan Goel, who visited the location and reviewed the situation, said police received information at around 10 pm about an altercation between the drivers of a bus and a car near Divine Star Dhaba.
A police team reached the spot and found that the bus’s windowpanes had been damaged. The occupants of the white Maruti Baleno were present and were detained.
According to SP Goel, preliminary inquiries indicated that a verbal argument had broken out between the two drivers over parking in the dhaba’s parking area. The confrontation allegedly escalated, resulting in damage to the bus and injuries to one passenger.
The SP maintained that the available preliminary findings pointed to a dispute over parking rather than a hate crime.
FIR Registered on Dhaba Manager’s Complaint
Police said no formal complaint had initially been filed by the bus driver, conductor or any passenger. The bus subsequently continued its journey towards Srinagar.
However, following a complaint submitted by the manager of Divine Star Dhaba, an FIR was registered at Butana police station.
Both accused have been arrested, the car has been seized, and further legal proceedings are underway.
SP Goel reiterated that the incident appeared to have originated from a spontaneous argument between the drivers and urged the public not to rely on rumours circulating on social media.
He also assured that Karnal police remained committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
Investigation Continues Amid Competing Claims
The incident has drawn attention because of the concerns raised by political representatives from Jammu and Kashmir and the police’s account of the confrontation.
While National Conference leaders have alleged a hate-related attack and called for accountability, Karnal police have maintained that preliminary findings indicate a parking dispute. The investigation will be important in establishing the complete sequence of events and determining the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
With two accused arrested and an FIR registered, authorities are proceeding with the case under the law.
Key developments:
- Incident: Stone-pelting on a Srinagar-bound sleeper bus near Nilokheri, Karnal.
- Arrests: Two accused, identified as Mohit and Sawan, arrested.
- Police action: FIR registered at Butana police station on the dhaba manager’s complaint.
- CM’s response: Omar Abdullah urged the Haryana government to take strict action.
- Police position: Preliminary findings point to a parking dispute; police have denied a hate-crime angle.
