SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday apprehended seven people over a suspected financial transaction involving a stone allegedly being sold as a rare and valuable “Trath Gola” or meteorite, officials said.
The seven were taken to Police Station Heerpora for questioning and further legal proceedings. Police also recovered Rs 5 lakh in cash and a box containing the stone during a preliminary enquiry, officials said.
The individuals have been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Habibullah Bhat, of Bagi Islam, Baramulla; Safeeruddin Mir, son of Haneef Mir, of Rajghat, Baramulla; Abdul Rashid Kirmani, son of Ghulam Nabi Kirmani, of Rawalpora, Srinagar; Mohammad Shafi Mir, son of Abdul Ahad Mir, of Zaloora, Sopore; Imtiyaz Ahmad Bakloo, son of Ghulam Mohammad Bakloo, of Pushroo Shangus, Anantnag; Arshid Ahmad Wani, son of Mohammad Subhan Wani, of Khurri Batpora, Kulgam; and Syed Gulzar Ahmad, son of Syed Qamar Din, of Lakdipora Nihama.
Police said the stone was allegedly represented as a rare and valuable meteorite. Two vehicles, an Alto bearing registration number JK01AQ-1311 and another Alto bearing registration number JK03B-5955, were also brought to Police Station Heerpora for examination.
An FIR, numbered 95/2026, has been registered at Police Station Heerpora under relevant provisions of law. Further investigation is in progress to establish the circumstances surrounding the transaction.
Police have urged people to exercise caution when approached with claims about rare, precious or meteorite stones and to verify the authenticity and value of such objects through competent authorities before making any payment.
Shopian Police said lawful action would be taken against anyone found involved in deceptive or fraudulent practices.
