FIR lodged against Physics Wallah faculty for off-roading in protected Kashmir forest

November 1, 2025 by News Desk

Shabir Ali

The Forest Department in Tangmarg has lodged an FIR against members of the Physics Wallah (PW) faculty after videos surfaced showing them driving SUVs through a protected forest zone in Buderkoot, one of north Kashmir’s most ecologically sensitive areas.

Earlier on Saturday, The Kashmiriyat reported that a video — purportedly linked to a promotional shoot for PW’s Toofan— had drawn widespread outrage online. The clip, which showed a fleet of black vehicles moving across lush green pastures and leaving behind deep tyre marks, was described by social media users as an “assault on Kashmir’s fragile ecology.”

According to the Forest Department, the incident occurred within the Buderkoot forest area, where off-roading is strictly prohibited. The department said the activity caused significant damage to new vegetation that had begun regenerating after heavy windstorms earlier this year.

The complaint, registered under the supervision of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Tangmarg, Feroz Chaket, followed the emergence of videos on the YouTube channel “JKBosewallah”, allegedly uploaded by the faculty themselves.

The footage, officials said, clearly shows the vehicles crushing soft forest soil and young saplings.

“The Buderkoot forest area had shown remarkable signs of recovery over the past few months. New roots and vegetation were emerging. Unfortunately, this reckless act has destroyed much of that growth,” said a senior Forest Department official.

The FIR cites multiple provisions of environmental and forest protection laws. Authorities have initiated a formal investigation, and further legal action is expected once the inquiry concludes.

The viral video had already triggered massive backlash online, with users and environmental activists tagging the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Forest Department, and Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, urging strict action.

Social media users condemned what they termed the “glamorization of education at the cost of nature.” One user wrote, “When did teaching turn into a showbiz parade? Forest officials are sleeping. Stop glamorizing tutoring.”

Environmental groups have warned that such incidents risk normalizing ecological damage in the name of entertainment and promotion.

Officials have urged visitors, brands, and content creators to strictly adhere to ecological restrictions and avoid filming or driving through protected areas.