Anantnag Police Bust Motorcycle Theft Racket, Six Stolen Bikes Recovered

SRINAGAR: Police in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district have busted an alleged organised motorcycle theft and disposal racket, recovering six stolen motorcycles linked to theft cases registered at different police stations. The alleged mastermind behind the network remains absconding, police said.The investigation began after Imran Ahmad Wani submitted a written complaint at Police Post Dialgam on July 4, 2026. According to police, the complainant alleged that he had purchased a motorcycle carrying fake registration details from Mohd Asif Bhat and Danish Ahmad Bhat.Following the complaint, FIR No. 229/2026 was registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and an investigation was launched.During questioning, police said the accused allegedly disclosed that the motorcycles had been stolen by Junaid Ahmad Bajad, a resident of Nowpora, Dooru, and supplied to them for sale on commission.Stolen Motorcycles Allegedly Sold Through Facebook MarketplaceThe investigation also revealed the alleged involvement of Mudasir Ahmad Bhat, who police said was involved in advertising and selling stolen motorcycles through Facebook Marketplace and offline contacts.According to police, the probe uncovered an organised network allegedly using both online and offline channels to dispose of stolen motorcycles. Investigators also found evidence of multiple financial transactions made by buyers into an accused person’s bank account in connection with motorcycle sales.Acting on leads generated during the investigation, police traced and seized six stolen motorcycles that had allegedly been sold to different individuals.Six Stolen Bikes Verified Through ARTO AnantnagThe registration and ownership details of the recovered motorcycles were verified through ARTO Anantnag. Police said the genuine owners subsequently confirmed that all six motorcycles were linked to theft cases already registered at different police stations.Police have identified Junaid Ahmad Bajad as the alleged key accused in the theft and supply of motorcycles for resale. He remains absconding, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.Officials said the investigation is continuing and further recoveries are expected as police probe the wider network and its alleged involvement in motorcycle theft and resale across the region.