Anantnag, July 30: In a significant breakthrough against vehicle theft, Anantnag Police has unearthed an organized motorcycle theft and disposal racket, recovering and seizing six stolen motorcycles linked to theft cases registered at various police stations across the district. The investigation has also exposed an online and offline network used for the sale of stolen vehicles.
According to police, the investigation was initiated by the DO Dialgam after a written complaint was received at Police Post Dialgam on July 4, 2026, from Imran Ahmad Wani. The complainant alleged that he had purchased a motorcycle carrying fake registration details from Mohd Asif Bhat and Danish Ahmad Bhat.
Acting on the complaint, Police registered FIR No. 229/2026 under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched a detailed investigation.
During sustained questioning, the accused allegedly disclosed that the motorcycles had been stolen by Junaid Ahmad Bajad, son of Rashid Bajad, a resident of Nowpora, Dooru. Police said the accused used to supply stolen motorcycles to them, which were then sold to buyers on a commission basis.
The investigation further revealed that Mudasir Ahmad Bhat played a crucial role in advertising and selling the stolen motorcycles through Facebook Marketplace as well as offline contacts. Police said multiple prospective buyers were approached through both online platforms and personal networks, indicating the existence of a well-organized racket for the disposal of stolen vehicles.
Investigators also uncovered several financial transactions in Mudasir Ahmad Bhat’s personal bank account, allegedly linked to payments received from buyers for the sale of the stolen motorcycles.
During the course of the investigation, police established that the accused had sold six stolen motorcycles to different individuals. Based on technical evidence and leads gathered during the probe, all six motorcycles were successfully traced, recovered and seized.
Police verified the ownership and registration details of the recovered motorcycles through the ARTO Anantnag. After contacting the genuine owners, it was confirmed that all six motorcycles had been reported stolen and were connected to theft cases registered at different police stations.
The investigation has identified Junaid Ahmad Bajad as the prime accused and key operative behind the motorcycle thefts and subsequent supply of stolen vehicles for sale. He is currently absconding, and police teams are conducting raids to secure his arrest.
Anantnag Police said further investigation is in progress and expressed confidence that additional recoveries of stolen motorcycles and further disclosures are likely following the arrest of the absconding accused. Police also appealed to the public to remain cautious while purchasing second-hand vehicles and to verify all ownership and registration documents through the competent authorities before finalizing any transaction.(KNC)
