Illegal Mining: 15 vehicles seized in Kashmir

Continuing its sustained drive against illegal mining, J&K Police have seized Eleven vehicles involved in the unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals from various areas of Shopian, Ganderbal, Pulwama & Anantnag.

During routine patrolling, a police party from Police Post Berthipora seized one tractor at Batamurran Keller and two tractors at Takwan Keller, which were found engaged in illegal mining activities without the requisite permissions. In this regard, FIR No. 34/2026 and FIR No. 35/2026 under relevant provisions of law have been registered at Police Station Keller and further investigation has been initiated, Police stated on Wednesday.

In a similar action, a police party from Police Station Imamsahib seized three tractors involved in illegal mining activities without mandatory permissions. Accordingly, FIR No. 20/2026 under relevant provisions of law has been registered at Police Station Imamsahib and investigation has been taken up.

Moreover, Police in Ganderbal seized 05 Vehicles, including 03 Tractors & 02 Tippers for illegal extraction of Minor Minerals in the jurisdiction of Police Station Ganderbal & PS Lar. These vehicles were found extracting and transporting mining material without valid authorization, in violation of the prescribed norms. Accordingly, the vehicles were seized on the spot and the matter was taken up with the concerned Geology & Mining Department, which subsequently imposed the requisite fine under the relevant provisions of law, Police said.

A police party from Police Station Litter established a checkpoint at Panjran Lassipora. During checking, one JCB bearing registration number JK18C-7721, one dumper (JK13E-1633), and a tipper (JK13A-8007) were intercepted. On inspection, all vehicles were found involved in illegal mining activities. All three vehicles were seized on the spot. In this regard, FIR No. 43/2026 under Section 303(2) BNS and 3 PPD Act has been registered at Police Station Litter. Investigation has been taken up.

In Anantnag, Police party during routine naka checking at Chattergul intercepted a tractor with trolley bearing registration number JK04H-3023. The vehicle, driven by Mushtaq Ahmed Malik, son of Nazir Ahmad Malik, resident of Chattergul, was found transporting illegally extracted mining material (Nallah boulders) without proper authorization, Police said.

Acting promptly, the police seized the vehicle and registered an FIR vide No. 38/2026 under relevant sections of law at the concerned police station. Further investigation into the matter has been initiated.

J&K Police reiterates its firm commitment to safeguarding the district’s natural resources and ensuring strict legal action against individuals involved in illegal mining. The general public is urged to cooperate by reporting any such unlawful activities. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential and strict action will be taken against violators, Police added.