JAMMU: In a major success against organized crime, Jammu Police (South Zone) apprehended a notorious habitual offender and recovered 07 stolen vehicles along with 26 stolen tower batteries, valued at approximately ₹35 lakh, during a special operation by Police Station Bahu Fort.
On September 17, 2025, police personnel on patrol duty in Pir Bagh Colony, Bathindi noticed a suspicious individual attempting to evade them. When approached, the suspect attacked the team, spraying a harmful substance in the eyes of an officer and striking with an iron rod, injuring SGCT Mohd. Arshad. Despite violent resistance, the accused was overpowered and identified as Basharat Mahmood S/o Kabir Hussain R/o Niru Jaal, Rajouri A/P Bathindi, Jammu.
A case FIR No. 276/2025 U/S 109/121/123/BNS was registered at PS Bahu Fort. Upon interrogation, the accused confessed to multiple thefts, leading to the recovery of:
Alto (Silver Grey) – JK02AD-4022 (Bari Brahmana, Vijaypur)
Alto (White) – JK02AD-2596 (Qasim Nagar, Bagh-e-Bahu)
Ecco Van – JK02AU-0305 (Julhaka Mohalla, Gujjar Nagar)
Alto (Grey) – JK02Q-7636 (Trikuta Nagar)
Scooty (Black) – JK11H-3121 (Rajouri)
Wagon-R (Dark Grey) – PB06H-5353 (Pathankot, Punjab)
Alto (Red, without number) – Engine No. 3365809 (stolen with co-accused)
In addition, 26 stolen telecom tower batteries were seized from one of the recovered vehicles.
Police investigations revealed that the accused is a hardcore habitual criminal with 18 FIRs registered against him across various police stations. Notably, he had earlier escaped police custody from the premises of the Hon’ble High Court, highlighting his desperate criminal tendencies.
The recovery comes after multiple complaints from telecom companies and residents regarding frequent tower battery thefts that were disrupting essential communication services. The successful operation has restored stolen property and provided significant relief to service providers and the community.
This breakthrough was achieved by the SHO Bahu Fort and I/C Police Post Bathindi, under the close supervision of SDPO City East and SP City South Jammu, with overall command of SSP Jammu.
Appeal to Public
Jammu Police urges citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate in preventing thefts by:
Using designated parking areas and ensuring vehicles are locked.
Keeping valuables secure and avoiding easy exposure to theft.
Reporting theft incidents immediately to police without disturbing the crime scene for effective investigation.
With active public support, Jammu Police remains committed to building a safe, secure, and crime-free society.
