Srinagar, Oct 9: Budgam Police have arrested three more persons in an alleged fraud syndicate that duped people with promises of government jobs, educational admissions and lucrative business deals, taking the total number of arrests in the case to five.
The newly arrested accused have been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Habib Ullah Bhat, of Watpora, Bandipora; Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Yousuf Bhat, of Kaloosa, Bandipora; and Saleem Ali Bhat, son of Mohd Shafi Bhat, of Plan, Bandipora.
Police said Zahoor Ahmad Bhat had emerged as a key alleged conspirator during the investigation. Questioning of the three accused is underway to establish their individual roles, ascertain the modus operandi of the alleged syndicate and identify other persons suspected of involvement.
Earlier, Budgam Police had arrested Jehangir Ahmad Dar and Firdous Ahmad Bhat in connection with the case.
According to police, the accused allegedly cheated people by promising government jobs, admissions to educational institutions outside Jammu and Kashmir, and lucrative business opportunities through fictitious business entities.
Investigators said the accused allegedly exploited people’s trust by projecting influence and claiming links with senior government officials and political figures to induce victims to pay substantial amounts of money.
The investigation is focused on tracing financial transactions, identifying additional victims and associates, and establishing the full extent of the alleged network. Police said further arrests and recoveries were likely as the investigation progressed.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Kashmir Sujit K. Singh felicitated Budgam Police personnel for their role in detecting the alleged fraud and strengthening policing.
The event was attended by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Central Kashmir Range, Rajiv Pandey.
Those felicitated included SSP Budgam Hariprasad K.K., SDPO Magam Ashrif Lissery, SHO Beerwah Mudassir Nassar, SHO Magam Khurshid Awan and 17 other police personnel.
The Police Station Beerwah team was recognised for its contribution to exposing the alleged fake employment syndicate, while Police Station Magam was appreciated for adopting the Digital Beat Policing System.
Budgam Police have urged people to verify claims relating to government employment, educational admissions and business opportunities through authorised channels. Those who suspect they have been cheated have been advised to approach their nearest police station.
Police reiterated their commitment to acting against financial fraud and organised criminal activity, adding that legal action would be taken against those found involved.
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