Police Seizes 5 Vehicles, Arrests 2 in Illegal Mining Crackdown in Baramulla

Baramulla, May 09 (PTK): Continuing its crackdown against illegal mining activities, Jammu and Kashmir Police in Baramulla arrested two persons and seized five vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.

Police said two tractors were intercepted during naka checking on the Kunzer–Tangmarg axis while proceeding from Reeram towards Batpora. During inspection, the vehicles bearing registration number JK09B-3203 and another tractor with engine number S/CB09990 were found loaded with illegally extracted Nallah Bajri (gravel).

The drivers were identified as Mudasir Ahmad Bhat, son of Fiyaz Ahmad Bhat, and Sahil Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Hamid Dar, both residents of Chandbagh. Officials said the accused failed to produce any valid permission or authorisation for extraction and transportation of the material.

Accordingly, FIR No. 59/2026 was registered at Police Station Kunzer under Sections 303(2), 329(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 3(2) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Both vehicles involved were seized and investigation taken up.

In another action, police seized three tippers loaded with illegally extracted sand and gravel (Khak Bajri) during routine checking and patrolling at Kanispora. Legal action under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act was initiated against the violators.

Police reiterated its commitment towards strict action against illegal mining and appealed to the public to cooperate in protecting natural resources and public property.(PTK)