Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, May 11: Kathua police has destroyed “Opium” cultivation and recovered 115 Opium (Poppy) plants from the land reportedly belonging to a revenue official in Bagh Lowang falling in Police Station (PS) Bani of Kathua district.
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As per reports, Police Station, Bani had received an information through the reliable sources that one person namely Hidayatullah Malik, son of Abdul Rashid of Bagh Lowang, teshil Bani district Kathua who is reportedly serving as Girdhawar in Revenue Department indulged in illegal cultivation and selling of Narcotic Substance (Poppy) and he had grown Poppy (Opium plants) in his land at Bagh Lowang. The police team of PS Bani led by SHO, Bani under the directives of SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma and supervision of SP Operations, Upper Kathua and DySP PC Bani, swung into action to destroy the Opium in the field.
During the operation, Hidayatullah Malik, son of Abdul Rashid of Bagh Lowang, tehsil Bani, district Kathua was found to have illegally cultivated 115 Opium (Poppy) plants weighing approximately 3.750 Kgs in his agricultural land. The crop was seized on the spot in the presence of Executive Magistrate in charge, Bani as per procedure. In this regard, FIR No. 36/2026 U/S 8/18 NDPS Act stands registered at PS Bani and investigation has been taken up.
However District Development Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma said that it is yet to be ascertained whether the land belongs to Girdhawar or not. He said in case the land belongs to Girdhawar the strict action under law will be taken against him.
Kathua police in a handout said that it is committed to upholding the law and preventing such illegal activities that affect the safety and security of the community. Opium cultivation and its illegal trade are serious offenses, and the police will take strict action against the offenders.
SSP Kathua urged the public to come forward with any information about such illegal activities and to cooperate with the Police Department to maintain peace and harmony in the community.
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