Gang of burglars busted in Kishtwar; 3 arrested

Kishtwar, Oct 13: Police said to have achieved a major breakthrough by busting a gang of burglars responsible for a series of thefts at multiple religious places in Dachan in Kishtwar district.

The burglaries, which took place during the intervening night of September 20 and 21, 2024, targetted several religious establishments, where donation boxes and lockers were broken and cash was stolen.

These incidents occurred at Shiv Mandir, Dwran Mohalla; Ram Leela Club, Sounder; Masjid Sharief, Shanger Mohalla; Masjid Sharief, Sheikh Mohalla; Masjid Sharief, Wani Mohalla and Masjid Sharief, Krusa Mohalla.

Police said that on receiving the information, case FIR No 20/2024 U/S 331(4)/305 BNS was registered at Police Station Dachhan, initiating an intensive investigation.

“Under the direct supervision of SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted, led by Inspector Harjeet Singh, SHO PS Dachhan. The team worked meticulously to crack the case, utilizing technical aid and reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity of the incidents. Their relentless efforts led to the identification of the culprits and ultimately to their arrest,” police said.

After an exhaustive investigation and a well-coordinated manhunt, the police apprehended three individuals viz., Shamim Ahmed, son of Abdul Latief, resident of Ghunti Thathri; Adil Hussain, son of Abdul Latief, resident of Indloo Bharnoo, tehsil Kahara, Gandoh, district Doda and Jamal Din, son of Mohd Abdullah, resident of Indloo Bharnoo, tehsil Kahara, district Doda.

The stolen property, along with tools used to break open the lockers, was recovered from the arrested individuals.

SSP Kishtwar, while lauding the efforts of the police team, emphasised, “Kishtwar town is under continuous CCTV surveillance, with 24/7 monitoring by a specialized team at the CCTV Surveillance Unit of Kishtwar Police. The footage from the cameras installed around the town played a critical role in tracking down the burglars and bringing them to justice.”