Bandipora, Sep 15 (KNS): Bandipora Police have intensified their crackdown on crime, drug trafficking, gambling and illegal mining during the first 15 days of September, while simultaneously stepping up community outreach and youth engagement programmes across the district.

Police said several theft cases were solved swiftly, stolen property recovered and multiple cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act as part of the enforcement drive.

In Bazipora Ajas, police solved a theft case involving Rs 3.30 lakh within 24 hours of receiving the complaint. A suspect was apprehended and the remaining stolen cash recovered, while a motorcycle and a mobile phone allegedly purchased with the stolen money were also seized.

The police also intensified action against narcotics at several locations. During naka checking at Aloosa, around 53 grams of charas was recovered from a person. At Shok Baba Sumlar, police recovered approximately 1.150 kg of charas from a scooty and arrested the accused.

At Pazalpora, police recovered around 200 grams of a charas-like powdered substance and registered a case under the NDPS Act.

In a separate action against gambling, five persons were arrested at Shahgund. Police said playing cards and Rs 14,500 in stake money were recovered from the spot.

Bandipora Police also solved a sheep theft case involving 21 sheep. The stolen livestock was traced to Qazigund and all the animals were recovered before being handed over to their rightful owner.

The enforcement drive also covered illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minor minerals. Police seized five vehicles, including three tippers, a tractor and a JCB, in the Ajas-Sumbal area in connection with alleged illegal mining.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Separately, the Geology and Mining Department, with police assistance, challaned four tipper vehicles at Wangipora in Sumbal for alleged violations related to mineral transportation.

Alongside enforcement, police continued their focus on youth engagement through sports and community-oriented programmes. Sports tournaments organised under the Civic Action Programme-2026 brought together teams in volleyball, cricket and football at different locations across the district.

Police also conducted Thana Diwas programmes, providing civil society members, traders, transporters, Auqaf representatives and other stakeholders a platform to raise their concerns directly with police officers.

Residents have welcomed the intensified enforcement, particularly the quick detection of theft cases, recovery of stolen property and action against drug-related activities and other social crimes.

Local residents said regular naka checking, prompt police response and sustained action against criminal and anti-social activities have helped strengthen public confidence in the police administration.

Residents also emphasised the need for sustained action against drugs, gambling, theft and other social crimes to maintain peace and protect young people from harmful influences.

The recent activities reflect a two-pronged approach by Bandipora Police, combining firm enforcement against crime and social evils with community outreach and youth-oriented initiatives across the district. (KNS)