India, Nov. 11 -- Police have arrested seven persons in connection with an apple theft case in South Kashmir's Shopian district and recovered 83 stolen apple boxes, besides seizing three vehicles allegedly used in the crime, officials said on Wednesday.

According to police, Police Station Heerpora received information about the theft of apple boxes from the orchard and shed of Mohammad Yousuf Wagay, a resident of Amshipora.

Acting on the information, a police team launched an operation and, with the assistance of local residents, intercepted three Tata Mobile vehicles at a short distance from the scene, officials said.

The accused had allegedly loaded the stolen apple boxes into the vehicles and were fleeing when they were intercepted....