Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Nov 7 (KNS): Bandipora Police on Saturday traced two missing minor boys within 18 hours of their disappearance and arrested two persons after recovering approximately 1.5 kilograms of a charas-like substance during a separate operation in the district.

Police said the two boys, aged 16 and 13, were reported missing after they failed to return home from school on Friday afternoon, prompting their families to approach Police Post Sumlar.

Following the complaint, FIR No. 182/2026 was registered at Police Station Bandipora and efforts were launched to locate the minors.

Both boys were subsequently traced at Four Way Bagh in Bandipora on Saturday, within 18 hours of the registration of the case.

Police said the minors were safely handed over to their respective legal guardians after completion of the required formalities.

In a separate operation, police arrested two persons during checking at Garoora Crossing and recovered approximately 1.5 kilograms of a charas-like substance from their possession.

The accused were identified as Rafaqat Ali Gojar, son of Mohd Gulab Gojar, a resident of Halwadi, Aragam, and Zakir Hussain Qureshi, son of Ghulam Noorani Qureshi, a resident of Chapran, Aragam.

A case under FIR No. 72/2026 has been registered at Police Station Aragam under Sections 8/20-29 of the NDPS Act.

Police said further investigation was underway to establish the source and intended destination of the suspected contraband and identify others, if any, associated with the alleged trafficking network.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range, Vinod Kumar chaired Thana Diwas programmes at Police Stations Sumbal, Aragam and Hajin, where residents raised concerns over traffic congestion, overloading in public transport, drug trafficking, cybercrime and domestic violence.

The interactions were attended by SSP Bandipora Tahir Saleem, supervisory officers, concerned SHOs, traders, prominent citizens and representatives of adjoining areas.

Participants also sought adequate police deployment during festivals and public gatherings, besides improved coordination between police and the trading community.

Addressing the gatherings, the DIG and SSP assured participants that genuine grievances would be examined and taken up with the concerned authorities.

SSP Bandipora said matters falling within the police department's jurisdiction would be addressed on priority, while issues concerning the civil administration would be referred to the respective departments.

The officers also sought public cooperation in tackling drug abuse and other social problems, stressing the need for sustained engagement between police and local communities. (KNS)