Srinagar, Nov 14: Days after the Delhi car terror blast, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday launched an extensive valley-wide verification drive, inspecting car dealerships, second-hand vehicle vendors, and scrap dealers across multiple districts. They also conducted checks at fertilizer outlets in some areas to prevent misuse of ammonium nitrate.
The operation—spanning the districts of Shopian, Kulgam, Awantipora, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag—aims to tighten surveillance on vehicle transactions, ensure proper documentation, and eliminate loopholes that could be exploited for anti-social activities, the police said.
The intensive verification comes in the wake of the November 10 terror bombing near Delhi’s Red Fort in which a second-hand car laden with explosives was blown up allegedly by a doctor from Pulwama, killing 13 people and injuring several others. The J&K Police, along with NIA and other agencies have unearthed massive amounts of ammonium nitrate in Faridabad, that was purchased allegedly to make bombs, and also traced two other second hand cars being used by the suspects, some of who belong to J&K.
As part of their inspection, in Awantipora sub district, police said they initiated a comprehensive enquiry into vehicle transactions involving suspicious entities. The senior police officers visited car dealerships to scrutinise records related to the sale and purchase of vehicles, with special focus on individuals who had bought multiple vehicles.
Dealers were instructed to maintain detailed records, including Aadhaar numbers and contact information of both buyers and sellers, police said.
Police in Shopian carried out physical verification of vehicles and ownership documents at various dealerships. Officers examined transaction records, verified the authenticity of transfers, and sensitised car dealers about the importance of keeping updated and accurate registers to prevent irregularities.
In Kulgam, the drive expanded to include scrap dealers and second-hand vehicle vendors. Police teams inspected vehicle parts, checked documentation and seized certain materials for further verification.
Meanwhile, in Ganderbal, police conducted checks at old vehicle sale–purchase units, scrutinising documentation and verifying ownership records. Dealers were advised to adhere strictly to legal procedures and immediately report any suspicious activity.
Budgam district also witnessed a thorough physical verification exercise. Police teams inspected multiple dealerships, authenticated records, and ensured timely ownership transfers. Dealers were instructed to maintain detailed documentation, including Aadhaar and driving licence details of buyers.
In Pulwama, the verification drive extended beyond vehicle dealerships to include fertilizer distribution outlets—an area of concern due to potential misuse. Police examined sales and stock registers and verified end-user details.
Distributors were cautioned to adhere strictly to guidelines, with officials warning of firm action against any irregularities.
The inspections were also conducted in Anantnag, where police undertook a comprehensive physical verification of vehicles and dealership records. Officers scrutinised sale-purchase documents, verified authenticity, and stressed strict adherence to statutory norms.
Across all districts, police reiterated that these exercises form part of a broader preventive strategy aimed at enhancing accountability, ensuring transparency in business transactions, and safeguarding public safety.
Police said such drives will continue as the force remains committed to maintaining strict vigil and preventing any misuse of vehicles across the region.
