SRINAGAR: Police have seized two vehicles and arrested three individuals involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in Shopian and Awantipora.
A team from the Heerpora Police Station seized two vehicles—a tipper and a tractor—used for the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals at Rambiara Nallah, located within the jurisdiction of Police Station Heerpora. The vehicles were promptly handed over to officials from the Geology and Mining Department for appropriate legal action against the vehicle owners and drivers.
In a separate incident, a police team from Police Station Pampore, led by SHO Pampore, arrested three individuals for their involvement in illegal sand extraction and the damage caused to the embankment of the Jhelum River at Patalbagh, Pampore. The arrested individuals have been identified as Muzafar Ahmad Hanji (son of Mohammad Maqbool Hanji, resident of Bujibagh), Mohd Ramzan Hanji (son of Gh Mohammad Hanji, resident of Bujibagh), and Mehraj-u-Din Bhat (son of Ab Aziz Bhat, resident of Patalbagh).
Cases have been registered under the relevant sections of the law, and further investigations are underway.
Authorities have warned that individuals found engaging in illegal mining activities will be dealt with according to the law. The community is encouraged to report any information related to such crimes to the nearest police units.