Shopian, Sep 5: Shopian Police have apprehended seven persons in connection with a suspected transaction involving a stone allegedly being sold as a rare and valuable “Trath Gola” or meteorite.

Police said the seven were brought to Police Station Heerpora for questioning and further legal proceedings. They have been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Bhat of Bagi Islam, Baramulla, Safeeruddin Mir of Rajghat, Baramulla, Abdul Rashid Kirmani of Rawalpora, Srinagar, Mohammad Shafi Mir of Zaloora, Sopore, Imtiyaz Ahmad Bakloo of Pushroo Shangus, Anantnag, Arshid Ahmad Wani of Khurri Batpora, Kulgam, and Syed Gulzar Ahmad of Lakdipora Nihama.

During the preliminary inquiry, police recovered ₹5 lakh in cash and a box containing a stone allegedly being represented as a rare “Trath Gola” or meteorite.

Two vehicles, bearing registration numbers JK01AQ-1311 and JK03B-5955, were also seized and brought to Police Station Heerpora for examination.

Police said FIR No. 95/2026 has been registered at Police Station Heerpora under relevant provisions of law. Further investigation is underway to determine the nature of the transaction and establish the complete facts.

Police have urged people to exercise caution and verify claims surrounding rare, precious or meteorite stones through competent authorities before making financial transactions.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.