SRINAGAR: The Special Crime Wing of the Crime Branch, Kashmir on Monday conducted searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts after uncovering an alleged extortion racket in which fraudsters impersonated Crime Branch and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials to extort more than Rs 30 lakh from a senior citizen.
According to a Crime Branch spokesperson, the searches are being carried out in connection with FIR No. 18/2026, registered under Sections 204, 319(2), 308(2), 338 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The spokesperson said the case involves an organised gang that allegedly posed as Crime Branch and ACB officials, threatened senior citizens with false complaints and arrest, and extorted money from them.
The Crime Branch said the accused allegedly extracted more than Rs 30 lakh from a senior citizen residing in Srinagar.
Searches were conducted at the residences of the accused, identified as Mubashir Ahmad Yatto (Wani) of Rangil, Nagbal, Ganderbal; Naseer Maqbool Bichoo of Khwaja Yarbal, Saidakadal, Srinagar; Mudasir Sadiq Najar of Kalal Doori, Naid Kadal, Srinagar; and Muneer Ahmad Mir of Gousia Colony, Elahi Bagh, Srinagar.
The Crime Branch appealed to the public to remain vigilant against individuals involved in cheating, forgery, cyber-enabled offences, impersonation and other organised crimes. It advised citizens not to fall prey to fraudulent schemes, forged documents or false promises and urged anyone with information about similar offences to report the matter to the nearest police station or the Crime Branch for prompt legal action.
