Awantipora, Sept 12, : Police Station Pampore apprehended two persons and seized approximately 180 kilograms of saffron corms from their possession at Befina Pampore, following specific information regarding their alleged movement for sale outside Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Saturday.According to police, the two persons were intercepted at Befina, Pampore, along with the saffron corms, which were allegedly intended for sale to persons outside the region.The apprehended persons have been identified as Maqsood Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam Qadir Dar, and Irfan Ali Ganaie, son of Ali Muhammad Ganaie, both residents of Befina, Pampore, police said.Police said the action was taken on the basis of specific information regarding the movement of the saffron corms. The quantity seized from the two persons was put at approximately 180 kilograms.Following the seizure, the concerned Agriculture Department was informed about the recovery. The saffron corms were subsequently handed over to officials of the Agriculture Department for verification and further legal proceedings as per law, police said.The Agriculture Department is expected to examine the seized planting material and determine the nature of the consignment and whether its proposed sale or movement was in violation of applicable rules and government directions.Saffron corms constitute the planting material used for saffron cultivation, and their regulated movement is an important issue for the region’s saffron-growing sector. The seizure of the substantial consignment has prompted further scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding its procurement, intended sale and proposed movement outside Jammu and Kashmir.Police said further legal action would follow in accordance with the findings of the concerned authorities and applicable law.Further details regarding the source of the saffron corms, their intended destination and the outcome of the Agriculture Department’s verification are awaited. [KNT]
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