J&K Police intensify checks on chemical, fertiliser shops

In the aftermath of the Delhi Red Fort blast that left 13 people dead and several others injured on November 10, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a massive inspection drive across the Union Territory. The crackdown focuses on fertiliser and chemical shops as well as car dealerships to prevent the misuse of regulated materials.

Police officials in several districts said on Sunday that extensive inspections are underway to ensure that no sensitive or regulated materials are diverted for unlawful activities. The districts where action has been initiated include Anantnag, Ganderbal, Pulwama and Awantipora.

The checking drive covers industries handling mixable or sensitive raw materials. Police teams scrutinised stock registers, verified documentation, assessed storage practices, and examined the movement of regulated items to ensure complete compliance with safety and legal norms.

“In continuation of its efforts to prevent misuse of agricultural chemicals and to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations, Ganderbal Police conducted a comprehensive inspection drive of fertilizer and chemical shops across the district. The surprise checking was carried out by teams from various police stations under the supervision of senior officers,” an official said.

Shopkeepers were sensitised about maintaining proper documentation, adhering to guidelines, and cooperating with law-enforcement agencies, particularly in monitoring suspicious bulk purchases. Officials emphasised the importance of ensuring that restricted chemicals are sold strictly as per government norms.

According to officials, the inspection aimed to verify stock records, sale registers, licences, storage conditions and compliance with safety protocols to prevent any illegal diversion or misuse of fertilizers and chemicals.

A Pulwama Police official said business owners and distributors were advised to maintain updated documentation, ensure fair practices and strictly follow legal guidelines. Similarly, Awantipora Police stated that extensive checking of chemical and fertilizer shops was conducted across its jurisdiction to curb unlawful activities and ensure adherence to regulations.

Sources in the J&K Police said inspections are also being conducted at vehicle dealerships, especially for vehicles brought from outside the UT. An official noted that detailed records are maintained by various car dealers in Shopian district.

In the recent Red Fort explosion, the main suspect, Dr Umer-un-Nabi, was allegedly driving a car registered in Haryana. Members of the terror module had also purchased NPK fertilizers from shops in Haryana over several months.

Officials emphasised that the ongoing actions are “preventive” in nature and are aimed at ensuring that no material is diverted for any adverse or unlawful activity.