SRINAGAR: Police in north Kashmir’s Sopore area seized an oil tanker carrying approximately 5,000 litres of petrol allegedly being transported without valid documents and arrested its driver on Saturday.
The tanker, bearing registration number JK04G-0068, was intercepted during naka checking at Iqbal Market within the jurisdiction of Police Post Bus Stand, Sopore. During the inspection, police recovered around 5,000 litres of petrol from the vehicle.
The driver, identified as Bilal Ahmad Malla, son of Bashir Ahmad Malla and a resident of Markundal, Sumbal, failed to produce valid documents or lawful authorisation for possessing and transporting the petroleum product, police said.
Preliminary investigation suggested that the petrol was allegedly intended for unauthorised sale for wrongful gain.
Police subsequently registered FIR No. 220/2026 under Sections 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act at Police Station Sopore. The accused was arrested, while the tanker and the petrol were seized in accordance with law.
Further investigation is underway to establish the source and intended destination of the petrol and identify other linkages, if any, connected with its alleged illegal transportation and proposed sale.
