Police crack sheep theft case in Awantipora, trace accused from Rajouri

Awantipora, Jan 17: Police in Awantipora have solved a sheep theft case with the arrest of an accused person and recovery of stolen livestock, officials said on Saturday.

Police said that on January 15, Police Post Toll Plaza received a written complaint from Nisar Ahmad Khanday, son of Ghulam Hassan Khanday, an inhabitant of Chersoo, alleging that unknown persons had stolen sheep from his cowshed during the intervening night of January 14 and 15.

Following the complaint, a case FIR No. 22 of 2026 under relevant provisions of law was registered at Police Station Awantipora, and investigation was set into motion.

During the course of investigation, a police team led by Sub Inspector Ishfaq Ahmad, Incharge Police Post Toll Plaza, under the supervision of the Station House Officer of Police Station Awantipora, Inspector Ajaz Ahmad, employed modern investigative techniques. Police said this included examination and detailed analysis of CCTV footage from multiple locations.

These efforts led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the accused, identified as Mohd Khalid Bargat, son of Mohd Akbar, an inhabitant of Gondhawas Khass area of Rajouri district.

Police said that during sustained interrogation, the accused confessed to his involvement in the theft. On his disclosure, five stolen sheep were recovered. The vehicle bearing registration number JK13G-6966, which was used in the commission of the crime, was also seized by the police.

The accused is currently in police custody, while further investigation is underway. Police said that more arrests and recoveries are likely as the probe progresses. [KNT]