Several villages in the Kandi area of Baramulla have reported a rise in housebreakings and thefts in recent days, prompting residents to demand stepped-up night patrolling and the installation of CCTV cameras in vulnerable localities. Local reports said incidents have occurred across Bandipayeen, Kalantra Bala, Nilsar and surrounding settlements.
Community alarm after mosque safe looted
One of the most alarming incidents, according to local reports, involved the forcible removal of a safe from a mosque in Kalantra Bala. The theft has deeply unsettled residents, who said such targeted looting of a religious institution was previously unheard of in the area.
In Bandipayeen village, an attempted theft of livestock ended without loss after villagers intervened, forcing the suspects to abandon a cow and flee, local reports added. Several households in Kalantra Bala and Nilsar have lodged complaints alleging multiple burglaries, heightening concerns about the security of property and places of worship.
Police recover items, make arrests
Police in the upper Kandi belt said they recovered a cache of stolen copper utensils from concealed locations in Nilsar following inquiry and questioning of a suspect from that village. The recovered haul comprised traditional copper items commonly used in Kashmiri households.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recovered copper items | 53 utensils |
| Arrests | 2 suspects (from Nilsar and Takiya Yousuf Shah) |
Further inquiries led to the arrest of another individual from Takiya Yousuf Shah, and both accused are now in custody as the probe continues, local reports said.
Residents demand enhanced night-time measures
Community leaders and residents have urged police to increase night patrols, establish visible beat policing and install closed-circuit television cameras at strategic points to deter further offences and assist investigations. Many households said they would consider self-help measures such as group night watches until official steps are expanded.
- Villages affected: Bandipayeen, Kalantra Bala, Nilsar and others in Kandi belt
- Notable incidents: attempted cow theft foiled by villagers; safe taken from mosque in Kalantra Bala
- Police action: recovery of 53 copper items and arrest of 2 suspects
Local residents said the theft from the mosque has had a psychological impact beyond the material loss, reducing a sense of security in the neighbourhood. They have asked police to prioritise investigation into the ring allegedly operating across multiple hamlets.
Police sources, as reported locally, indicated that the recoveries followed targeted questioning of a suspect from Nilsar who allegedly admitted involvement in several thefts. Investigators are attempting to establish whether the arrested individuals acted alone or were part of a larger network operating in the Kandi belt.
Practical steps sought by community
Residents have outlined several immediate measures they want authorities to implement:
- Increased night patrolling and visible police presence in vulnerable villages
- Installation of CCTV cameras at common approaches, village centres and near places of worship
- Prompt forensic examination of recovered items and the mosque premises to gather evidence
Police have not released a public statement detailing charges or the exact timelines of arrests, but local reports say the probe remains active. The recovery of traditional copper utensils has enabled some victims to reclaim property, though concerns persist over items still missing and the trauma of targeted thefts.
As the investigation continues, residents of the Kandi belt say they will maintain increased vigilance and press authorities for rapid, demonstrable security measures to restore confidence in the area.
