Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Sept 21 (KNS): Bandipora, Sept 21 (KNS): Bandipora Police have stepped up a district-wide crackdown on crime, narcotics and other social evils, reporting a string of enforcement breakthroughs in the first 21 days of September—from solving a ?3.30 lakh theft case within 24 hours and recovering 21 stolen sheep to major narcotics seizures, fresh PIT-NDPS detentions, gambling arrests and action against illegal mining.

One of the notable breakthroughs came in Bazipora Ajas, where police solved a theft case involving ?3.30 lakh within 24 hours of receiving the complaint. A suspect was apprehended and the remaining stolen cash was recovered, while a motorcycle and mobile phone allegedly purchased with the stolen proceeds were also taken into possession.

The district police also stepped up action against the drug menace, with several narcotics-related cases reported from different areas.

At Aloosa, police recovered around 53 grams of charas from an individual during naka checking. At Shok Baba Sumlar, approximately 1.150 kg of charas was recovered from a scooty and the accused was arrested. At Pazalpora, police recovered around 200 grams of a charas-like powdered substance and registered a case under the NDPS Act.

In a fresh anti-narcotics action on September 21, during naka checking at Rakh Duslipora Gadakhud in Sumbal, police apprehended Ab Majeed Dar, son of Mohd Qasim Dar of Nooripora Magam, Baramulla. During his personal search, approximately 10 grams of a substance suspected to be brown sugar was recovered. Police said FIR No. 213/2026 under relevant provisions of law has been registered at Police Station Sumbal and further investigation is underway.

In another major step against organised drug-related activity, Bandipora Police detained two alleged drug peddlers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act.

The detainees have been identified as Mohammad Rafiq Kaloo, son of Abdul Khali Kaloo, resident of Naninara, Sumbal, and Mohammad Younis Malla, son of Mohammad Yaqoob Malla, resident of Shilvat, Sumbal. According to police, Kaloo has been lodged in Central Jail Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, while Malla has been lodged in District Jail Anantnag.

Police have said that stringent legal action will continue against individuals allegedly involved in the trafficking and distribution of narcotic substances.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The enforcement drive also covered other social crimes. At Shahgund, five persons were arrested in a gambling case, while playing cards and ?14,500 in stake money were seized from the spot.

In another breakthrough, police solved a sheep theft case involving 21 sheep, tracing the stolen livestock to Qazigund and recovering all the animals before handing them back to their rightful owner.

Action against illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minor minerals was also intensified. Police seized five vehicles including three tippers, a tractor and a JCB in Ajas Sumbal in connection with alleged illegal mining. Separately, the Geology & Mining Department, with police assistance, challaned four tipper vehicles at Wangipora, Sumbal.

Alongside enforcement, Bandipora Police have continued their focus on youth engagement and community policing. Sports tournaments under the Civic Action Programme-2026 brought together local teams in volleyball, cricket and football at different locations, providing young people with opportunities to participate in constructive and sports-oriented activities.

The organisation of Thana Diwas programmes across the district has further strengthened police-public engagement, providing civil society members, traders, transporters, Auqaf representatives and other stakeholders an opportunity to raise their concerns directly before police officers.

The recent enforcement activity has drawn appreciation from sections of the local population, particularly over the swift detection of theft cases, recovery of stolen property and intensified action against narcotics and other social crimes. Residents have also highlighted the increased visibility of naka checking and police response in different areas.

Residents, while welcoming the recent drive, have called for sustained action against drugs, gambling, theft and other forms of crime, particularly to protect young people from falling prey to substance abuse and criminal activities.

With simultaneous enforcement, anti-drug operations, community outreach and youth-oriented initiatives, Bandipora Police are continuing a two-pronged approach firm action against crime alongside stronger police-public engagement across the district. (KNS)