KATHUA, OCT 24: Intensifying its drive against illegal mining and unauthorised transportation of minerals, Kathua Police have seized 42 vehicles, including 32 dumpers and 10 tractor-trolleys, operating allegedly without mandatory Form-A documentation or other required permissions across multiple areas of the district.
The seized vehicles were reportedly being used to transport construction material, including sand and other minerals, in violation of prescribed requirements. The enforcement action covered the jurisdictions of Police Stations Kathua, Billawar, Hiranagar, Bani and Lakhanpur, with the seized vehicles subsequently handed over to the Geology and Mining Department, Kathua, for further legal action.
Kathua Police Station accounted for the largest number of seizures, with police teams intercepting 33 vehicles—31 dumpers and two tractor-trolleys—during patrolling at Bhagthalli, Hatli and Kathua on October 23. According to police, the vehicles were loaded with construction material without valid permission.
In a separate action in Billawar, police seized three tractor-trolleys allegedly involved in the unauthorised transportation of sand. All three vehicles were reportedly operating without registration numbers and the required legal permission.
Police Station Lakhanpur also seized four tractor-trolleys allegedly engaged in the illegal transportation of mining material. The vehicles were reportedly without registration numbers. Meanwhile, Police Station Hiranagar seized one unregistered tractor-trolley carrying minerals in violation of Form-A requirements.
In another seizure, Police Station Bani intercepted a dumper bearing registration number PB02FK 7337 for allegedly transporting minerals in violation of the prescribed requirements.
The coordinated action reflects Kathua Police’s continued enforcement efforts against the unauthorised extraction and transportation of mineral resources. The involvement of multiple police stations underscores the district-wide scope of the operation.
All 42 seized vehicles—32 dumpers and 10 tractor-trolleys—have been handed over to the Geology and Mining Department, Kathua, for further proceedings under the applicable rules.
Police have reiterated their resolve to act against illegal mining and unauthorised mineral transportation, urging vehicle operators and those involved in the movement of construction material to comply with mandatory documentation and obtain the requisite permissions.
