SRINAGAR: Police in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Sunday seized 12 vehicles allegedly involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of clay and boulders during two separate enforcement operations in the Kunzer area, registering a case to investigate the wider illegal mining network.
According to police, acting on specific information, a team from Police Station Kunzer raided an area where illegal mining was taking place and seized five tippers loaded with illegally extracted clay along with a JCB excavator allegedly used for excavation and transportation of the material.
In a separate operation during routine patrolling at Hardbani, Kunzer, another police team intercepted six tractors carrying boulders allegedly extracted illegally from the Ferozpora Nallah. Four drivers identified themselves during the checking, while two others fled the scene, abandoning their tractors.
Police said none of the drivers was able to produce valid permission or authorisation for the extraction or transportation of the minerals. During questioning, they reportedly admitted that the boulders had been extracted illegally from the Ferozpora Nallah.
Overall, police seized 12 vehicles, including five tippers, one JCB excavator and six tractors, along with the illegally extracted minerals during the two operations.
A case under FIR No. 91/2026 has been registered at Police Station Kunzer under the relevant provisions of law, and an investigation has been launched to identify all those involved and determine the full extent of the alleged illegal mining network.
Police said the crackdown reflects its commitment to protecting natural resources and maintaining the ecological balance of the district, adding that strict legal action will continue against those involved in illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minerals. The public has also been urged to report any instances of illegal extraction or transportation of natural resources.
