Bovine Smuggling Suspected After Scorpio Flees Security Checkpoint in Ramban; Massive Search Underway

Ramban: A suspected bovine smuggling angle has emerged after a Scorpio SUV allegedly breached a security checkpoint on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) in Ramban district during the early hours of Friday. Police later recovered dung from inside the vehicle after its three occupants abandoned it and fled into a nearby forest.

A joint search operation involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Army is currently underway to trace the unidentified suspects.

Vehicle Allegedly Evaded Security Checkpoint

According to officials, the incident occurred at around 3:30 a.m. when a Scorpio (registration number JK02AK-1743) travelling from Srinagar towards Jammu allegedly failed to stop at a security checkpoint at Chanderkote on NH-44.

Officials said police personnel signalled the vehicle to stop, but the driver allegedly accelerated and drove towards the Nashri side.

During the pursuit, security personnel reportedly fired three rounds at the fleeing vehicle.

Vehicle Found Abandoned

The Scorpio was later located in Paprian village, about 8–9 kilometres from NH-44 along a link road under the jurisdiction of Police Station Chanderkote.

Officials said the three occupants abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the adjoining Papria Peera forest, prompting security forces to launch an extensive search operation.

Dung Recovered, Smuggling Suspected

During a detailed examination of the vehicle, investigators found that the rear seats had been removed.

Police also recovered animal dung from inside the SUV, leading investigators to suspect that the vehicle had been modified for the illegal transportation of bovines along the national highway.

Authorities are investigating whether the vehicle was being used in a bovine smuggling operation.

Search Operation Continues

Joint teams of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF and Army are combing the forest area around Papria Peera to locate the three suspects.

Police have not yet established the identities of the occupants, and further investigation into the incident is underway.

Suggested Graphics

Graphic 1: Incident at a Glance