Interstate gang busted in Kashmir, stolen gold ornaments seized

Srinagar, Dec 12 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir police today claimed to have busted a gang of robbers, mostly labourers from different states, and seized gold ornaments worth lakhs of rupees from their possession.

Addressing a news conference here, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, S A Mujtaba said in order to check the increasing number of robberies in the area, an anti-burglary squad was constituted at the Sadder police station.

On specific information that some labourers from different states indulged in burglary in the area, he said police kept a strict watch on their activities in a methodical manner and nabbed five of them.

During interrogation, the labourers, also drug addicts, confessed to their involvement in robberies in the area, the SSP added.

About their modus operandi, the robbers said they targeted isolated houses. To avoid arrest, the SSP said they (robbers) changed their residences quite regularly.

The robbers were identified as Mohammed Qasim Sheikh alias Nukhlis, Mohammed Shahidul alias Kala, Irfan Ahmed Sheikh alias Hanief, Mohammed Zahoor Hawladar alias Tippu and Mohammed Dilawar Sheikh alias Dillo. Mr Mujtaba said except Qasim, all were labourers from Kolkatta. Qasim hailed from New Delhi.

Police also seized a huge cache of stolen gold ornaments from their possession which included 25 ear rings, nine rings, four chains, four pendants, one necklace, two bangles, six ear tops and one bracelet and electronic goods worth Rs 50,000 from them.

A case has been registered in this connection.

UNI AG VD BD1853