Police bust burglars gang in Awantipora, five held

Srinagar, Aug 1: Police in Awantipora have solved several theft cases by busting a gang of burglars and recovered stolen properties from their possession.
After several recent thefts in minority religious places in Tral area, a special Investigating Team (SIT) headed by SDPO Tral Shri Mubashir Rasool-JKPS and led by SHO PS Tral was constituted and initiated investigation into the matter.
During the course of investigation, strenuous efforts were put in place by the investigating team and the technical/tangible evidence were gathered. Besides, a specific input was generated by the investigating team and apprehended two persons identified as Amir Rashid Ganai son of Abdul Rasheed Ganai resident of Gulshanpora Tral and Sajad Ah Sheikh son of Noor Mohd Sheikh resident Sheikhpora, Padgampora. Both were carrying instruments viz, a chisel & a torch and confessed that they were planning to commit theft in Tral area.
During the further course of investigation, the duo confessed that they along with Tariq Ah Sheikh son of Noor Mohd Sheikh resident of Goripora and Shafaqat Ali son of Mohd Ayoub resident of Thanamandi (A/P Goripora Awantipora) have committed thefts at several places, including recent thefts in Gurudwaras in Tral area, thus trying to incite communal discord in the area. Subsequently, both the accused were also apprehended. Furthermore, investigating officers also learnt about the involvement of another accused Bilal Ahmad Wani son of Gh Mohd Wani resident of Saraf Mohalla, Bijbehara who used his jewellery shop to sell the stolen items and was subsequently arrested.
On their disclosure, stolen property worth lacs which include cash, gold ornaments, a car etc. have been recovered from their possession so far. Officers also recovered instruments used for forced entry and executing the thefts viz Cutter, Hexa Blades, Iron Rod, Screw Drivers etc. from their possession.
After rigorous questioning of the suspects it came to surface that all of them are not only addicted to illicit drugs but also had a history of broken families and familial discord. In order to bear the cost of their addiction they have been indulging in frequent thefts.
The individuals apprehended so far have been found involved in multiple theft cases registered in Police Station Tral. Investigation into the matter is still in progress.