Srinagar, May 3: In a ground-breaking move aimed at curbing drug abuse and other related crimes in Kupwara, Police have employed GPS trackers on two criminals who were recently released after a two-year legal battle.
The decision to use GPS tracking devices marks a significant shift in the law enforcement strategy, particularly in combating drug-related crimes.
Two persons, Abid Ali Bhat and Abdul Majeed Bhat were apprehended two years ago in connection with the possession and distribution of brown sugar, a potent form of heroin.
After a lengthy legal process, they were released back into the community.
However, as a condition of their release, the Police in Kupwara, in a first-of-its-kind initiative in Kashmir, affixed GPS trackers to monitor their movements.
Hence Kupwara district became the first district in the Kashmir zone to deploy GPS anklets on bailed-out narcotics accused.
Police said that the ASJ Court Kupwara while granting bail in FIR 283/2022 ordered deploying GPS anklets on accused Abdul Majid Bhat and Aabid Ali Bhat for better surveillance over movement of bailed out accused.
In compliance, the Police said a team led by ASP G M Bhat, DySP Ameen Bhat, and SHO Kupwara Inspector Ishaq deployed the GPS anklets for close monitoring of the accused.
The use of GPS trackers is a proactive measure by the Police to deter individuals involved in drug-related crimes.
Kupwara has witnessed a surge in drug abuse cases in recent years, posing a serious challenge to the local administration.
The innovative approach by the Police is seen as a step towards addressing this pressing issue.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kupwara, Shobhit Saxena highlighted the importance of such measures in tackling drug abuse.
“The use of GPS trackers is just one part of a larger strategy to combat the menace of drugs and other related crimes in Kupwara,” he said.
While this is the first instance of GPS trackers being used on criminals in Kashmir, it may serve as a precedent for future cases involving drug-related crimes.