Bandipora Police Saves ₹35.67 lakh from cyber frauds, 43 drug peddlers arrested

Muqeet Mubashir

 

Bandipora, Dec 31: In a year marked by sustained enforcement and targeted operations, Bandipora Police in 2025 intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, illegal mining, cyber-enabled financial frauds and the terror ecosystem, officials said, asserting that the measures significantly strengthened public safety and the rule of law across the north Kashmir district.

 

According to official data, the police registered 536 complaints related to cyber-enabled financial fraud during the year. Through prompt intervention and coordination with relevant agencies, an amount of ₹35.67 lakh was saved from being further siphoned off, while ₹20.58 lakh already defrauded was successfully recovered during investigations and enquiries.

 

In addition, the police recovered 52 lost or stolen mobile phones reported on the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) Portal. The recovered phones, valued at around ₹7 lakh, were handed over to their rightful owners after completion of legal formalities.

 

As part of its intensified anti-narcotics drive, Bandipora Police registered 40 cases under the NDPS Act and arrested 43 drug peddlers. Recoveries during the year included 97 kilograms of cannabis and its derivatives, 2,233 Spasmoproxyvon tablets, 319 bottles of Codeine Phosphate, and 33 grams of brown sugar.

 

The police also attached and seized four vehicles and two residential houses belonging to drug peddlers under provisions of the NDPS Act. The attached properties were estimated to be worth around ₹37 lakh. Further tightening the noose, four notorious drug peddlers were booked under the PIT NDPS Act, reflecting what officials described as a zero-tolerance approach to narcotics trafficking.

 

To curb illegal mining activities, the police registered 29 FIRs, arrested 29 persons, and seized 29 vehicles involved in unlawful extraction and transportation of minerals. During joint operations with the Mining Department, 307 vehicles were seized, and fines amounting to ₹47.06 lakh were imposed and realised as per law.

 

Countering the terror ecosystem remained a key priority throughout the year. The police booked 23 Over Ground Workers (OGWs) under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

 

In a significant move, 61 kanals and six marlas of land belonging to an absconding terror accused operating from Pakistan were attached. Additionally, one kanal and 18.5 marlas of land identified as terror proceeds were also attached following due legal procedures, officials said.

 

Cyber surveillance and online patrolling were enhanced to counter fake narratives and propaganda. As a result, the police registered five cases and blocked 91 social media handles allegedly involved in spreading misinformation and online propaganda.

 

The police also reported progress in burglary and theft cases. Of the five stolen vehicles, four were recovered, while around 62 per cent of stolen property was recovered during investigations of theft and burglary cases.

 

Beyond enforcement, Bandipora Police conducted multiple outreach and awareness programmes focusing on drug abuse prevention, cybercrime awareness and community policing. The force also remained actively involved in humanitarian assistance during adverse weather conditions such as snowfall and heavy rainfall.

 

Recently, police personnel rescued two persons who were trapped in the middle of a lake after their boat developed a fault during the intervening night of December 15 and 16, 2025, officials said.

 

Reaffirming its resolve, Bandipora Police said it would continue focused enforcement, preventive measures and community engagement in the coming year to ensure peace, security and safety for the people of the district.