SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district have uncovered an organised motorcycle theft and disposal racket, recovering six stolen motorcycles linked to theft cases registered at different police stations and identifying the alleged key accused, who remains absconding.
According to police, the investigation was initiated by the Duty Officer (DO), Dialgam, after Imran Ahmad Wani lodged a written complaint at Police Post Dialgam on July 4, 2026, alleging that he had purchased a motorcycle bearing fake registration details from Mohd Asif Bhat and Danish Ahmad Bhat. Subsequently, FIR No. 229/2026bwas registered under section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and an investigation was launched.
During questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed that the motorcycles had been stolen by Junaid Ahmad Bajad, son of Rashid Bajad and a resident of Nowpora, Dooru, who supplied the stolen vehicles to them for sale on commission.
The investigation further revealed the alleged involvement of Mudasir Ahmad Bhat, who is accused of advertising and selling the stolen motorcycles through Facebook Marketplace as well as offline contacts. Police said the inquiry established an organised network operating through both online and offline channels to dispose of stolen motorcycles.
Investigators also found evidence of multiple financial transactions made by buyers into the accused’s personal bank account in connection with the sale of the motorcycles.
Based on leads developed during the investigation, police traced and seized six stolen motorcycles that had allegedly been sold to different individuals.
The ownership and registration details of the recovered motorcycles were verified through the ARTO Anantnag. Police said the genuine owners confirmed that all six vehicles were linked to theft cases already registered at different police stations.
According to the investigation, Junaid Ahmad Bajad has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind the thefts and the supply of stolen motorcycles for sale. He is currently absconding, and police said efforts are underway to arrest him. Officials added that further recoveries are expected as the investigation progresses.
