BANIHAL, Jul 11 (Agencies): Banihal Police recovered a handbag containing ₹1.32 lakh in cash and important documents belonging to a group of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims after tracing a commercial taxi through a swift investigation led by SHO Banihal Ashiq Hussain Lone with the assistance of the District Police Headquarters (DHQ) Ramban.
Police said the incident occurred on July 8 when three pilgrims—Chabil Das, Sadanand Vispute and Suhas Dattatreya Suryavanshi, all residents of Jalgaon, Maharashtra—accidentally left behind a small handbag under the seat of a hired Honda Amaze taxi during their journey. The bag contained ₹1,32,000 in cash along with important documents. The pilgrims were unable to identify the taxi driver at the time of reporting the matter to police.
On receiving the complaint, SHO Banihal Ashiq Hussain Lone immediately launched an investigation with the support of Police DHQ Ramban. Using technical analysis, toll plaza verification, vehicle ownership details and coordination with Sopore Police, the investigating team successfully traced the taxi and identified its driver, who was subsequently called to Banihal.
On July 9, the recovered handbag containing the entire cash amount and other documents was produced before Police Station Banihal. After due verification and completion of legal formalities, the cash and documents were handed over to their rightful owners.
The pilgrims expressed their gratitude to Ramban Police, particularly the Banihal Police team led by SHO Ashiq Hussain Lone, for their prompt, professional and coordinated efforts in recovering their belongings.
Police said the successful recovery reflects the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Police to ensuring the safety, security and assistance of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims through timely action, professionalism and effective inter-district coordination.