Police Bust Willow-Theft Racket, Arrest Nine in North Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Police in North kashmir’s Baramulla district have cracked an organised theft network involved in the illegal cutting and sale of willow trees from a government nursery, arresting nine accused persons and recovering stolen property along with cash proceeds from the illicit activity.

Police said the case began on November 12 when Hilal Ahmad Tantray, Circle Officer Rakh and Form, lodged a complaint at Police Post Palhallan regarding the illegal felling of willow trees during the intervening night of November 10 and 11 at the Rakh and Form Nursery. Acting on the complaint, Pattan Police Station registered FIR number 226 of 2025 and initiated an investigation.

During early leads, two suspects travelling in vehicles bearing registration numbers JK05G-3502 and JK05K-9210 were intercepted. Their sustained questioning revealed the involvement of a wider group operating a coordinated theft and sale mechanism for willow timber. Based on their disclosures, police recovered all stolen willow logs from a factory located in Awantipora.

Both vehicles used in the transportation of the timber were seized. Police also recovered an amount of ninety eight thousand nine hundred rupees, which investigators say is the proceeds of the illegal sale of the stolen willow material.

Officials sources said that nine persons have been arrested so far and further investigation is underway to identify additional links, including buyers and facilitators associated with the network. Baramulla Police stated that strict action will continue against individuals involved in offences that harm public property and forest resources. [KNT]