Sopore, September 5: Sopore Police has seized an oil tanker carrying approximately 5,000 litres of petrol allegedly being transported without valid documents and arrested the driver in connection with the case.

Police said the tanker, bearing registration number JK04G-0068, was intercepted during naka checking at Iqbal Market, Sopore, within the jurisdiction of Police Post Bus Stand.

During checking, approximately 5,000 litres of petrol was found inside the tanker. The driver was identified as Bilal Ahmad Malla, son of Bashir Ahmad Malla, resident of Markundal, Sumbal.

According to police, the driver failed to produce valid documents or lawful authorisation for the possession and transportation of the petroleum product.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the petrol was allegedly intended for unauthorised sale for wrongful gain.

In this connection, FIR No. 220/2026 under Sections 3/7 of the Essential Commodities Act has been registered at Police Station Sopore.

The accused driver has been arrested, while the tanker and the petrol have been seized as per law.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source and intended destination of the petrol and to establish other linkages, if any, involved in its alleged illegal transportation and sale.