J&K Police Crack Down on Illegal Mining: 11 Vehicles and JCBs Seized Across Baramulla, Ganderbal, and Shopian

BARAMULLA/GANDERBAL/SHOPIAN, March 07: In a coordinated effort to dismantle illegal mining networks, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, alongside the Department of Geology and Mining, seized nine vehicles and two JCBs involved in the unauthorized extraction and transport of minerals.

In Baramulla, authorities intercepted two tractors at Dargam nallah, identifying the drivers as Faisal Ahmad and Mehrajudin Mir; both vehicles were seized, and legal proceedings under the MMDR Act were initiated. Simultaneously, police in Ganderbal’s Gund area confiscated two tippers found transporting material illegally extracted from Nallah Sindh without the required permits.

The crackdown intensified in Shopian, where police teams from the Turkwangam Post intercepted a JCB and five additional vehicles across two separate operations. These actions resulted in the registration of FIR No. 23/2026 and FIR No. 24/2026 at the Zainapora Police Station as investigations continue into the unauthorized mining activities.

Reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection, the J&K Police stated they will continue to take firm legal action against those exploiting natural resources and urged the public to remain vigilant in reporting such unlawful practices.