SRINAGAR: Police and mining authorities seized 16 vehicles in Shopian and Baramulla districts during separate operations against alleged illegal mining activities, officials said on Wednesday.
In Shopian, police seized 10 vehicles, including a JCB machine, a dumper, two tippers and six tractors, allegedly involved in the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.
According to police, two tippers, a JCB and a dumper were intercepted by Police Station Shopian at different locations for allegedly transporting minerals without valid royalty documents. In a separate action, Police Station Heerpora seized six tractors allegedly engaged in illegal mining without the required permissions.
Police said cases under relevant provisions of law have been registered and investigations initiated.
In Baramulla, six vehicles were intercepted during a checking drive at Jahama Crossing. The vehicles included four tippers and two tractors allegedly involved in illegal mining activities.
Officials said two tippers and two tractors were seized on the spot in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department for alleged violations of mining regulations. The remaining two tippers were booked in FIR No. 137/2026 at Police Station Baramulla under relevant legal provisions.
In a separate operation at Mirgund, a dumper was intercepted while allegedly transporting illegally extracted sand. The vehicle was seized and action under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act was initiated in coordination with the concerned authorities.
Police said further legal proceedings are underway in all the cases.