*J&K Police Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Mining and Transportation across Shopian and Baramulla* _18 Vehicles/Machinery Seized, multiple FIRs Registered_
*August 22:* “`Continuing its sustained crackdown against illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of minor minerals, J&K Police have intensified enforcement operations across Shopian and Baramulla districts, resulting in the seizure of 18 vehicles and machinery, including JCBs, tippers, dumpers, tractors and tractor-trolleys.
In Shopian, a police party from Police Station Heerpora during routine patrolling, seized two tractors found engaged in the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without the required permissions. In this regard, FIR No. 82/2026 under relevant provisions of law was registered at Police Station Heerpora and investigation has been initiated. In a similar action, a police party from Police Post Keegam intercepted and seized one tractor and one tractor trolley involved in the illegal extraction of minerals without valid royalty documents. Accordingly, FIR No. 168/2026 under relevant provisions of law was registered at Police Station Shopian and further investigation is underway. In another action, a police party from Police Station Shopian intercepted and seized one tipper and one tractor involved in illegal mining activities without the required permissions. In this regard, FIR No. 170/2026 under relevant provisions of law was registered and investigation has been initiated. Similarly, a police party from Police Post Turkwangam intercepted and seized one JCB and three tractors engaged in the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without valid royalty documents. In this regard, FIR No. 108/2026 under relevant provisions of law was registered at Police Station Zainapora and further investigation has been initiated.
In Baramulla, police intensified night patrolling and enforcement against illegal transportation of minor minerals. Six tippers were seized at different locations while allegedly transporting illegally extracted material. Four tippers bearing registration numbers JK05C-2599, JK02AL-0798, JK02AE-4962 and JK05D-7121 were seized during enforcement operations. During night patrolling at Delina, two additional tippers bearing registration numbers JK04F-3891 and JK02AT-6921 were intercepted while carrying illegally extracted sand without valid Mineral Royalty Receipts/Mineral Transit Permits. Necessary legal action has been initiated under the provisions of the MMDR Act. In a separate operation at the Dumping Yard, Boniyar, Baramulla Police, acting on reliable information, seized one dumper bearing registration No. JK05K-7171 and one JCB bearing Chassis No. 3DXSSCO1849651, which were found allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of stones without a valid Mineral Royalty Receipt. Necessary challan proceedings were initiated in coordination with the Geology & Mining Department under the relevant provisions of the MMDR Act.
J&K Police reiterated its zero-tolerance approach towards illegal mining and unauthorized transportation of minerals, emphasizing that strict legal action will continue against individuals found involved in such activities. Police also urged the general public to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies and report instances of illegal mining or mineral transportation. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.“`
