SRINAGAR: Ladakh Police on Tuesday announced breakthroughs in separate ATM fraud and narcotics trafficking investigations, stating that intensified enforcement and surveillance operations had exposed organised criminal networks operating in the region.
Addressing a press conference, police officials said the Economic and Crime Investigation units had cracked an ATM fraud case involving multiple accused and uncovered drug trafficking linkages extending beyond Ladakh.
Police said the ATM fraud investigation began after a complaint was lodged on May 13 by the custodian of JK Bank regarding damage to ATM machines and fraudulent withdrawal of money.
An FIR was subsequently registered, and a specialised investigation team comprising senior officers and sub-inspectors was constituted to probe the case.
Three accused, identified as Shivam Kumar of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, Arjun of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, and another accused identified as Monty, were arrested in connection with the case.
During the operation, police recovered 21 ATM cards and two motorcycles with tampered number plates allegedly used by the accused to evade detection.
According to investigators, the gang allegedly used adhesive substances inside ATM machines, causing customer cards to malfunction or become stuck.
Police said the accused would then approach victims while pretending to offer assistance, exchange original cards with fake ones, discreetly obtain PIN details, and later use the stolen cards for fraudulent withdrawals.
Officials said one victim lost Rs 40,000 through fraudulent transactions conducted in Leh and Kargil, while another attempted fraud involving Rs 40,000 targeted a woman in Chuchot Gongma.
Police said approximately Rs 12,000 had so far been confirmed stolen through the operation, while investigations were continuing to identify other possible victims.
Investigators further stated that the same gang was allegedly involved in damaging ATMs and committing similar offences in several regions.
According to police, around 30 ATMs were damaged in the Jammu division, 20 in Kashmir, six in Kargil and 10 in Leh.
Officials said multiple FIRs had already been registered against the accused at different police stations, indicating repeated involvement in similar offences.
Police appealed to the public, particularly elderly citizens and first-time ATM users, to remain vigilant and avoid sharing ATM cards or PIN details with strangers.
During the press conference, officials also highlighted Ladakh Police’s anti-narcotics campaign.
Police said 12 NDPS cases had been registered this year compared to eight during the previous year under the department’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking.
Officials disclosed that 6.88 grams of heroin were seized on April 14.
In another operation, police recovered 184 grams of heroin from a vehicle intercepted on the Manali route.
Investigations into the seizure exposed a wider narcotics network operating between Delhi, Chandigarh and Ladakh, police said.
Authorities confirmed that several accused, including local residents and outsiders, had been arrested in connection with drug trafficking and supply.
Police said investigators were examining both backward and forward linkages to dismantle the supply chain.
Officials also appealed to families to seek medical and counselling support if they suspected substance abuse among relatives, stating that rehabilitation was necessary for users while suppliers and traffickers remained the primary targets of law enforcement.
Police further stated that robbery and theft incidents had declined due to intensified naka checking and surveillance along entry routes into Ladakh, including Srinagar, Manali and air corridors.
Regular checking operations were being conducted at vulnerable points, including Minabagh and Sarchu, to prevent criminal activity and the inflow of narcotics, officials said.
Ladakh Police appealed to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities and reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a drug-free Ladakh.
