SRINAGAR: Police in South Kashmir’s Shopian district on Thursday seized large quantities of subsidised kerosene oil and rice during separate raids conducted in connection with illegal black-marketing activities, police said.
Acting on specific information, a police team from Police Station Shopian carried out a search at a shop in the Pratabpora area, leading to the recovery of 253 litres of kerosene oil. The shop owner, identified as Shabir Ahmad Sheikh of Pratabpora, was arrested and the seized material taken into custody.
In a separate operation, another police team raided a shop at Heepora Batagund, where 577 litres of kerosene oil and 50 bags of rice, weighing about 25 quintals, were recovered and seized. The shop owner, Shabir Ahmad Ganie, a resident of Heepora Batagund, was also arrested.
Police said cases under relevant provisions of law have been registered at Police Station Shopian, and investigations have been initiated in both matters.
Preliminary findings indicate that the accused were involved in the illegal sale of subsidised kerosene oil in the black market. The source of procurement is being verified, and officials, if found involved in facilitating the activity, will be proceeded against in accordance with the law.
Police have reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in illegal activities and have urged the public to share information related to such offences with the nearest police unit.
