Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu:DD, In a major crackdown against theft and organized crime, Jammu Police, South Zone has achieved a significant breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious offender and recovery of seven stolen vehicles and 26 tower batteries, with a total recovery value of approximately ₹ 35 lakh in Police Station Bahu Fort.
Police said that while on routine patrolling duty in Pir Bagh Colony, Bathindi on September 17, 2025; police personnel noticed a suspicious individual attempting to avoid them.
When approached for verification, police quoting the investigation, said the suspect sprayed a harmful substance into the eyes of a police officer and attacked the team with an iron rod, injuring SGCT Mohammed Arshad.
Despite his violent resistance, police said that the accused was apprehended after strenuous efforts.
The accused person has been identified as Basharat Mahmood, son of Kabir Hussain, resident of Niru Jaal, Rajouri at present Bathindi, Jammu.
Therefore, a case in this regard has been registered under FIR No 276 of 2025 under section 109/121/123/BNS at Police Station Bahu Fort Jammu.
On sustained questioning, the accused confessed to multiple vehicle thefts. On the basis of his disclosure, police recovered an Alto (Silver Grey) – JK02AD-4022 (Stolen from Bari Brahmana, Vijaypur); Alto (White) – JK02AD-2596 (Stolen from Qasim Nagar, Bagh-e-Bahu); Ecco Van – JK02AU-0305 (Stolen from Julhaka Mohalla, Gujjar Nagar); Alto (Grey) – JK02Q-7636 (Stolen from Trikuta Nagar); Scooty (Black) – JK11H-3121 (Stolen from Rajouri); Wagon-R (Dark Grey) – PB06H-5353 (Stolen from Pathankot, Punjab); and Alto (Red, without number) – Engine No. 3365809 (Stolen along with co-accused).
In addition, police said that they have also recovered 26 stolen tower batteries from one of the vehicles.
Police said that the accused is a hardcore habitual offender with 18 FIRs registered against him across multiple police stations.
Pertinently, he had even managed to escape police custody from the premises of the High Court, showcasing his desperate criminal mindset.
This arrest comes in the backdrop of multiple complaints received from telecom companies and local residents regarding frequent thefts of tower batteries, causing disruption to essential communication services.
The successful recovery has not only restored stolen property but also brought relief to affected service providers and the community.
The arrest and recoveries were carried out by SHO Bahu Fort and Incharge Police Post Bathindi, under the close supervision of SDPO City East and SP City South Jammu, with overall command of SSP Jammu.DD
