SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police seized vehicles, heavy machinery and construction material in a series of operations against alleged illegal mining in Awantipora, Handwara, Shopian and Baramulla on Monday, registering multiple cases and initiating legal proceedings against those involved.
The action included the seizure of 17 vehicles and machines in Handwara, where a large stock of construction material allegedly dumped illegally at an under-construction Government Medical College (GMC) site at Chogal was also seized. The material is estimated to be worth ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore, subject to official assessment.
In Awantipora, police seized five heavy L&T machines from Bathen under Police Station Khrew and four dumpers from Patalbagh and Galander under Police Station Pampore. The machinery and vehicles were allegedly involved in illegal mining activities.
Police said the action was initiated following credible information. FIR No. 84/2026 was registered at Police Station Khrew, while FIR Nos. 93/2026 and 94/2026 were registered at Police Station Pampore under relevant provisions of law. Investigations have been taken up.
In Handwara, a raid was conducted at the GMC construction site at Chogal under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Handwara, assisted by the In-charge Police Post Chogul. Police seized three JCBs, seven dumpers and seven mixer vehicles, taking the total number of seized vehicles and machines to 17.
According to police, a large quantity of Nallah muck had allegedly been dumped and stored illegally at the site by the contractor concerned. The contractor reportedly failed to produce the requisite permissions and supporting documents to justify the storage and processing of the material.
The Executive Magistrate, Tehsildar Handwara, and officials of the Mining Department were called for a joint inspection. The inspection allegedly revealed that the material was being processed into sand, bajri, stone dust and other construction materials for unauthorised sale and supply to various projects across the Valley.
The entire stock was seized and handed over to the Mining Department for assessment, valuation and further legal action.
In Shopian, police seized three dumpers and one platform allegedly involved in unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals from different areas of the district.
During routine patrolling, a police party from Police Post Turkwangam intercepted three dumpers allegedly operating without valid royalty documents. FIR No. 134/2026 was registered at Police Station Zainapora, and investigation was initiated.
In a separate action, a police party from Police Station Heerpora seized a platform allegedly involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals without mandatory permission. FIR No. 121/2026 was registered at Police Station Heerpora, and investigation was taken up.
In Baramulla, police seized 11 vehicles in multiple operations against alleged illegal mining.
During a late-night operation in Jahama, police intercepted six tractors and two tippers allegedly involved in illegal sand extraction. Legal proceedings were initiated under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and other relevant provisions of law.
In a separate joint operation, Police Station Pattan, in coordination with the Geology and Mining Department, detained two tractors allegedly involved in illegal mining. Legal action was initiated under the relevant provisions of the MMDR Act.
Police also seized a tractor bearing registration number JK05C6901 at Singhpora, which was allegedly carrying illegally extracted soil. Legal proceedings were initiated in the matter.
Police reiterated that enforcement drives against illegal mining would continue, warning that those involved in unauthorised extraction and transportation of minerals would face legal action. The public was also urged to cooperate with police and report such activities.
In Awantipora, residents were asked to share information about illegal mining and other criminal activities with Police District Headquarters through helpline number 7051404859, email at dpoawantipore@jkpolice.gov.in, or their nearest police unit.