Jammu & Kashmir News Police Crack Down on Illegal Sand Mining in Awantipora; Two Motorboats Seized, Two Accused Arrested

Mushtaq Pulwama State chief

Awantipora, July 6 : In a significant action against illegal mining activities, Awantipora Police on Monday apprehended two persons involved in the unauthorized extraction of sand from the River Jhelum and seized two motorboats used in the commission of the offence. Official said, Acting on specific and reliable information about illegal sand mining in the Gagri Bal area of Awantipora, a police team from Police Station Awantipora swiftly launched a raid and caught the accused red-handed while extracting sand from the river. The accused have been identified as Reyees Ahmad Bhat, son of Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, and Sabzar Ahmad Bhat, son of Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, both residents of Bahoo, Awantipora. Police said the accused were illegally extracting sand using two motorboats, an activity that was causing serious damage to the banks of the River Jhelum and posing a threat to the fragile river ecosystem. The two motorboats used in the illegal operation were seized on the spot, while both accused were taken into custody.

In this connection, FIR No. 161/2026 has been registered at Police Station Awantipora under the relevant provisions of law. Further investigation is underway to ascertain whether any other individuals or networks are involved in the illegal mining operation. Police reiterated that illegal extraction of minerals not only violates the law but also causes environmental degradation, weakens riverbanks, and adversely impacts public resources and ecological balance. Jammu and Kashmir Police reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying its drive against illegal mining and warned that strict legal action will continue against those involved in activities that threaten the environment and natural resources. The police also appealed to the public to report any instances of illegal mining or other unlawful activities to help safeguard the region’s ecological wealth.