Police in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir arrested a conman for allegedly duping a local resident of Rs 5.4 lakh by falsely promising to secure the release of his brother from police custody.

According to police, a complaint was received on January 4 via WhatsApp from Asif Ahmad Parrah of Humhuma, Zainapora, alleging that Sajad Ahmad Bhat of Mundoora, Tral, fraudulently extracted money from him by falsely promising to secure the release of his brother, Umer Maqbool, who had been arrested in an NDPS case registered at Police Station Zainapora.
Police said the accused posed as a government employee and claimed to have influence to arrange the release, thereby cheating the complainant.
Acting on the complaint, police registered E-FIR No. under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“During the course of investigation, Rs 1.50 lakh has been recovered so far from the accused. The accused has been taken into custody, and efforts are underway to recover the remaining amount,'' a police spokesman said, adding further investigation into the case is in progress.
Police have advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid individuals making false claims of influence or illegal assurances.