Bandipora: Bandipora Police on Monday registered four FIRs against shopkeepers on the charges of selling rotten and unhygienic food items, including meat and vegetables in the district.
A Police official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the action was taken after complaints from residents about food products being sold in unhygienic conditions, posing serious health risks to consumers.
“Acting on these complaints, a special police team, accompanied by Food Safety Officers and the Executive Magistrate, conducted thorough inspections of food sale points and stockist shops. During the inspections, several violations of hygiene and food safety norms were observed, prompting the registration of cases against the erring shopkeepers,” the official said, adding, “ In Hajin, FIR No. 79/2025 was registered under sections 271 and 275 BNS against Khursheed Ahmad Parray of Par Mohalla, Hajin Jamia Market, for selling rotten mutton.”
“In Sumbal, a similar FIR (No. 204/2025 U/S 271 BNS) was registered against Bashir Ahmad Dhobi of Inderkot, Sumbal, who was found selling unhygienic chicken,” the official said, adding, “In Bandipora town, Fayaz Ahmad, a meat seller from Ward 6, faced FIR No. 203/2025 under sections 271 and 275 BNS for selling rotten meat. In Pethkote, Nadeem Ahmad Malik of Bankoot Bandipora was booked under FIR No. 54/2025 U/S 271 and 275 BNS for selling unhygienic vegetables and other eatables,” he said.
The official said that the crackdown is a part of a larger effort to ensure food safety and prevent practices that endanger public health.
Authorities also assured residents that stringent action will continue against those found violating food hygiene laws, including penal action under relevant sections of the law.
Officials emphasised that such anti-public health practices cannot be tolerated and reiterated the importance of accountability among shopkeepers and vendors handling consumable goods. The intervention is expected to serve as a warning to other food vendors in the district, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to ensuring clean and safe food for all citizens.
Meanwhile, residents welcomed the action, stating that strict enforcement is necessary to maintain trust in local markets and prevent health hazards.
