Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Dec 31 (KNS) : Bandipora Police recorded significant operational achievements during 2025, carrying out sustained and result-oriented action against drug peddling, illegal mining, cyber-enabled financial frauds, the terror ecosystem, and other criminal activities, thereby reinforcing public safety and the rule of law across the district.

In the domain of cybercrime, Bandipora Police received 536 complaints related to cyber-enabled financial frauds. Due to timely intervention and coordinated efforts, approximately ?35.67 lakh was saved from being further siphoned off, while ?20.58 lakh already defrauded was successfully recovered during the investigation and enquiry. Additionally, 52 lost or stolen mobile phones, reported on the CEIR Portal and valued at around ?7 lakh, were recovered and handed over to their owners after completing legal formalities.

As part of the intensified anti-narcotics drive, 40 NDPS cases were registered during the year, leading to the arrest of 43 drug peddlers. Recoveries included 97 kg of cannabis and its derivatives, 2,233 Spasmoproxyvon tablets, 319 bottles of Codeine Phosphate and 33 grams of Brown Sugar. Furthermore, four vehicles and two residential houses of drug peddlers, worth approximately ?37 lakh, were attached or seized under the NDPS Act. Four notorious drug peddlers were also booked under the PIT NDPS Act, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking.

To curb illegal mining, Bandipora Police registered 29 FIRs, arrested 29 persons, and seized 29 vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transportation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelIn joint operations with the Mining Department, 307 vehicles were seized, and fines amounting to ?47.06 lakh were imposed and realised as per law.

Maintaining pressure on the terror ecosystem remained a key priority. During 2025, 23 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) were booked under UAPA provisions. In addition, 61 kanals and 06 marlas of land belonging to absconding terror accused operating from Pakistan were attached. Another 01 kanal and 18.5 marlas of land, identified as terror proceeds, was also attached following due legal procedures.

Enhanced cyber surveillance led to the registration of five cases against online propaganda, while 91 social media handles involved in spreading fake narratives were blocked.

Action against burglary and theft cases also yielded results, with four out of five stolen vehicles recovered, and approximately 62 per cent of stolen property traced and recovered during investigations.

Besides enforcement, Bandipora Police organised multiple awareness and outreach programmes on drug abuse prevention, cyber crime awareness and community policing. The police also played a key humanitarian role during adverse weather, recently rescuing two persons trapped in Wular Lake on the night of December 15/16, 2025, after their boat developed a fault.

Bandipora Police reiterated their commitment to continued focused enforcement, community engagement and preventive policing to ensure peace, security and safety of the people of the district.(KNS)