09/08/2026
Railway Police Mazhama Bust Stolen Mobile Racket, Recover 59 Smartphones; Two Held
Mazhama, Srinagar, August 8: Railway Police Post Mazhama has busted an alleged stolen mobile phone racket, recovering 59 smartphones and apprehending two individuals at Mazhama Railway Station.
The operation was carried out during the morning hours when alert police personnel spotted two bike-borne individuals behaving suspiciously while carrying a large polythene bag. Upon interception and questioning, the duo reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. A subsequent search of the bag led to the recovery of 59 smartphones of various brands, including Samsung, OnePlus, Redmi, Vivo, Oppo, Motorola, Realme, Xiaomi, Google, Nothing and iQOO.
The accused have been identified as Shahnawaz Ahmad Rather (25) and Mehboob Hussain Rather (18), both residents of Mattipora, Pattan, Baramulla.
During preliminary questioning, Shahnawaz allegedly disclosed that the mobile consignment had been sent to him through a courier parcel from Bengaluru in November 2025 by Showkat Ali Rather, also a resident of Mattipora, Pattan. Police said Showkat has been missing since November 2025.
An FIR No. 3 of 2026 under Sections 317 of the BNS and 147 of the Railway Act has been registered at Railway Police Station Srinagar. Further investigation is underway to trace the interstate parcel trail, establish the origin of the recovered phones and identify the wider network involved.
