SRINAGAR: Police in Shopian have registered an electronic FIR and arrested a conman for allegedly cheating a local resident by falsely promising to secure the release of his brother from police custody at Police Station Zainapora.
According to police, a complaint was received on January 04, 2026, through WhatsApp from Asif Ahmad Parrah, a resident of Humhuna, Zainapora. The complainant alleged that the accused fraudulently took Rs 5.40 lakh from him by assuring the release of his brother, who was in police custody in connection with a narcotics case.
Police identified the accused as Sajad Ahmad Bhat, son of Gh Hassan Bhat, a resident of Mundoora, Tral. The complainant stated that the accused falsely claimed to be a government employee and asserted that he had sufficient influence to arrange the release of the detainee.
The complainant’s brother, Umer Maqbool, had been lawfully arrested in FIR No 108/2025 registered under Sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Zainapora. Police said the accused exploited the situation and cheated the complainant by making false assurances.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, Police Station Shopian registered E-FIR No 03/2026 under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
During the investigation, police have recovered Rs 1.50 lakh from the accused so far. The accused has been taken into custody, and efforts are underway to recover the remaining amount. Further investigation in the case is ongoing.
Police have advised the public to remain vigilant and not fall prey to individuals claiming illegal influence or promising unlawful favours. Such attempts should be immediately reported to the nearest police station.
