SRINAGAR: Police in central Kashmir’s Budgam district arrested three more people on Friday in an alleged fraud case involving fake government job offers, educational admissions and fictitious business deals, taking the total number of arrests to five.
The latest arrests include Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Habib Ullah Bhat, a resident of Watpora in Bandipora; Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Yousuf Bhat, from Kaloosa in Bandipora; and Saleem Ali Bhat, son of Mohd Shafi Bhat, from Plan in Bandipora.
Police said Zahoor Ahmad Bhat had emerged as a key alleged conspirator during the investigation. The questioning of the three accused is under way to establish their individual roles and determine whether others were involved in the alleged network.
Two people, Jehangir Ahmad Dar and Firdous Ahmad Bhat, had been arrested earlier in connection with the case.
According to police, the alleged syndicate duped people by promising government employment, admission to educational institutions outside Jammu and Kashmir and profitable business opportunities through fictitious companies. The accused allegedly claimed to have influence and links with senior government officials and political figures to gain victims’ trust and obtain substantial sums of money.
Investigators are examining financial transactions, identifying potential victims and tracing other suspected associates to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud. Police said further arrests and recoveries were possible as the investigation continued.
Budgam Police have urged people to verify claims relating to government jobs, educational admissions and business opportunities through authorised channels. Those who believe they have been targeted by similar frauds have been advised to report the matter to their nearest police station.
