Bandipora, Sep 12 (KNS): Bandipora Police have recovered all 21 sheep allegedly stolen from a residence in Chewa area of the district and apprehended a suspect in connection with the case, officials said on Saturday.

The theft was reported during the intervening night of September 7 and 8, following which a case was registered under FIR No. 201/2026 under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Sumbal, Police Post Ajas.

The complaint was lodged by Mohammad Ashraf Chichi, son of Sulaiman Chichi, a resident of Kalakote in Rajouri and presently residing at Chewa, Bandipora.

Following registration of the case, a police team from Ajas Police Post, led by DO Ajas Aeraf Niyaz, launched an investigation under the supervision of SSP Bandipora and SDPO Sumbal.

During the investigation, police developed a lead regarding a vehicle bearing a Srinagar registration number. Acting on the information, an individual from Mujgund in Srinagar was questioned and allegedly disclosed that the stolen sheep had been taken to Bonigam in Qazigund after some persons transported them on foot to Mujgund.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Based on the information, a police team from Ajas Police Post proceeded to Qazigund and apprehended Mukhtar Ahmad Khatana, a resident of Rajouri and presently residing temporarily at Safapora, for questioning.

Police said further investigation led to the recovery of all 21 stolen sheep from his possession.

The recovered livestock was subsequently handed over to the rightful owner, officials said.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of SSP Bandipora and SDPO Sumbal, with the Ajas Police Post team coordinating the investigation and recovery.

The complainant and local residents expressed gratitude to Bandipora Police, particularly the Ajas Police Post team and DO Ajas Aeraf Niyaz, for tracing and recovering the stolen livestock.(KNS)