SRINAGAR: Police have arrested seven persons and recovered 83 stolen apple boxes after foiling an alleged theft in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, officials said on Wednesday.
The incident came to light after Police Station Heerpora received a call seeking assistance regarding the theft of apple boxes from the orchard and shed of Mohammad Yousuf Wagay, son of Abdul Karim Wagay, a resident of Amshipora.
Acting swiftly on the information, a police team from Police Station Heerpora, with the assistance of local residents, intercepted three Tata Mobile vehicles a short distance from the scene. The accused had allegedly loaded the stolen apple boxes into the vehicles and were attempting to flee when they were intercepted.
All seven accused were apprehended, while 83 stolen apple boxes were recovered. Police also seized all three vehicles allegedly used in the commission of the crime.
The arrested persons have been identified as Gulzar Ahmad Mallah, son of Ghulam Rasool Mallah, a resident of Gatipora, Keller; Reyaz Ahmad Lone, son of Mohammad Ashraf Lone, also of Gatipora, Keller, who was driving Tata Mobile bearing registration number JK04G-5507; Muzamil Ahmad Wani, son of Ali Mohammad Wani, a resident of Therina, Keller; Ashiq Hussain Lone, son of Bashir Ahmad Lone, a resident of Zrakan, Keller, who was driving Tata Mobile bearing registration number JK13H-8514; Umar Hussain Wani, son of Mohammad Ashraf Wani, a resident of Therina, Keller; Tehzeel Ahmad Lone, son of Bashir Ahmad Lone, a resident of Zrakan, Keller; and Shahid Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Ashraf Wani, a resident of Therina, Keller.
In this connection, FIR No. 126/2026 under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been registered at Police Station Heerpora, and further investigation has been initiated.
Police said the action reflected their commitment to protecting citizens’ property and taking prompt action against criminal activities. They also urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police establishment.
