Budgam, Feb 5 : Budgam Police on Wednesday said it has solved a major gold theft case with the arrest of five accused persons and recovery of stolen property worth about Rs 11 lakh, along with cash amounting to Rs 83,000.

Police said the case came to light after Police Station Budgam received a written complaint from Mohammad Yousuf Najar of Lakhripora, Budgam, stating that unknown persons had forcibly entered his house during the intervening night of January 16 and 17, 2026, and decamped with gold ornaments and cash.
Following the complaint, FIR No. 12 of 2026 was registered under relevant sections of law and investigation was initiated immediately.
During the course of investigation, a police team led by the Station House Officer, Police Station Budgam, used human intelligence and analysed CCTV footage from multiple locations, which led to the identification and arrest of five persons involved in the crime.
The arrested accused have been identified as Umar Farooq Dar of Wasikhunrakhi Asham, Sumbal; Imtiyaz Ahmad Guroo of Parimpora, Srinagar; Basit Bashir of Pehlipora, Safapora, Ganderbal; Bilal Ahmad Dar of Safapora, Lar, Ganderbal; and Bilal Ahmad Guroo of Wangipora, Sumbal.
Police said all the accused are currently in police custody. During recoveries, stolen gold ornaments worth approximately Rs 11 lakh and cash amounting to Rs 83,000 were recovered. Two vehicles used in the commission of the crime were also seized.
The investigation further revealed the involvement of three goldsmiths in the disposal of the stolen property. Police said the goldsmiths have been identified and booked under relevant provisions of law.
Further investigation in the case is underway to ascertain additional links and recoveries, police added.