Kathua, September 6, 2026:

Continuing its drive against the illegal trade and transportation of liquor, Kathua Police arrested a suspected bootlegger and seized five bottles of JK Excise Whisky, each measuring 750 ml, in the Challa-Dinga Amb area of Police Station Hiranagar.

According to police, on September 5, a police team led by the SHO Police Station Hiranagar, under the supervision of SP Operations Kathua and SDPO Border, was conducting naka checking in the jurisdictional area when a car bearing registration number JK08Q-5767 was intercepted at Challa, Dinga Amb.

The vehicle was reportedly being driven by Chaman Singh, son of Nadhan Singh, a resident of Maya, Tehsil Hiranagar, District Kathua. Police said the vehicle was travelling from the Dyalachak side towards Dinga Amb under suspicious circumstances.

During checking, police recovered five bottles of JK Excise Whisky, 750 ml each, from his possession. The vehicle allegedly involved in the transportation of the liquor was also seized.

In connection with the recovery, FIR No. 96/2026 under Section 48(f) of the Excise Act has been registered at Police Station Hiranagar, and further investigation has been initiated.

The operation was conducted under the overall supervision of SSP Kathua Ms. Mohita Sharma, IPS, who reiterated that strict legal action would be taken against persons involved in the illegal trade and transportation of illicit liquor.

The action is part of the ongoing efforts of Kathua Police under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan to curb the illegal liquor trade and prevent substance abuse in the region.