Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): In a major breakthrough, Srinagar Police has arrested a gang of highway robbers who were impersonating police commandos to loot truckers during nighttime. The gang, operating on desolate stretches of the highway, was caught following an extensive investigation launched after a truck driver from Haryana reported being robbed at gunpoint in the Maloora, Shalteng area.
The victim, Chanchal Singh, filed a complaint at Police Station Shalteng on February 22, 2025, stating that unidentified individuals in black commando uniforms stopped his vehicle, brandished weapons, and robbed him of cash and valuables. Acting swiftly, the police registered an FIR (No. 15 U/S 307, 126(2), 3(5)) and launched a manhunt.
Within days, four accused were identified and arrested from different parts of Srinagar and Budgam. They have been identified as:
Sahil Ahmad Sheikh, son of Mehraj-u-Din Sheikh, resident of Narakh Budgam
Aqib Ahmad Sheikh, son of Mehraj-u-Din Sheikh, resident of Narkarah Budgam
Arbaz Ahmad Wani, son of Hilal Ahmad Wani, resident of SD Colony Batmaloo
Faisal Ahmad Shah, son of Azad Ahmad Shah, resident of Nowhatta
During the operation, police recovered two dummy guns, black commando uniforms, a Swift vehicle, nine mobile phones, ATM cards, and cash—all used in the crimes. The gang specifically targeted trucks with registration numbers from outside Jammu and Kashmir, intimidating drivers with fake guns and seizing their valuables.
A police spokesperson revealed that the arrested individuals are history-sheeters with multiple cases registered against them across the region. Authorities suspect they may be involved in similar crimes and are expanding the investigation.
Srinagar Police has reiterated its commitment to public safety, urging citizens to report suspicious activities. Enhanced patrolling and security measures are expected along vulnerable highway stretches to prevent such incidents in the future.(DD)