Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested two persons, including an alleged receiver of stolen property, in connection with a series of gold ornament theft and snatching cases reported in and around Sopore town, and recovered seven pairs of gold earrings, officials said on Wednesday.
A police spokesperson said the action followed an investigation into FIR No. 192/2026 under Section 309(4) BNS, registered at Police Station Sopore after a woman from Seelo reported that an unknown person had taken her towards Amargarh, threatened her with a knife and forcibly taken her gold earrings.
“CCTV analysis, technical inputs, field verification and examination of suspects led to the identification and arrest of Ishfaq Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Majeed Bhat, resident of Haripora, Langate, Handwara. The stolen earrings were subsequently recovered at his instance,” the spokesperson said.
Further investigation and questioning of the accused led police to probe his alleged involvement in FIR No. 207/2025 under Section 304(2) BNS and FIR No. 55/2026 under Sections 304(2)/351(2) BNS, both registered at Police Station Sopore.
According to police, the accused allegedly targeted elderly and vulnerable women by posing as someone who could help them obtain benefits under government welfare schemes. After gaining their confidence, he allegedly persuaded them to remove and hand over their gold ornaments before fleeing with the jewellery. In some cases, force or intimidation was allegedly used.
During the investigation, seven pairs of gold earrings were recovered. Some have been linked to registered cases, while the remaining ornaments have been seized for identification and verification.
Police also arrested Sayed Ahmed Khan son of Munna Khan, A/P Sangrama, a goldsmith, for his alleged role as a receiver of stolen property. His possible links to other incidents are being investigated.
Further investigation is underway to determine the accused’s involvement in other cases and identify the rightful owners of the recovered jewellery.
Police advised senior citizens and other vulnerable persons to remain cautious of strangers offering unsolicited assistance and to report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or police establishment.
