SRINAGAR: The Delhi Police Crime Branch, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police, has arrested Bilal Ahmad Lone, alias Dr Bilal, a 33-year-old resident of Handwara in Kupwara district, for his alleged involvement in a series of cheating and forgery cases.
Lone was apprehended near Jama Masjid in Delhi on December 21 following a “detention order” issued under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), 1978, by the district magistrate of Anantnag. The PSA warrant was approved by the J&K Government’s Home Department on December 17.
Bilal Ahmad Lone, described as a habitual offender, is accused of defrauding dozens of individuals, including paramilitary personnel, by falsely promising bank loans for vehicle purchases and subsidy schemes. Investigations revealed that Lone used forged documents to secure loans in the names of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, exploiting their identities for personal gain. He also allegedly sold vehicles obtained through fraudulent loans using forged No Objection Certificates (NOCs) purportedly issued by banks.
Delhi Police coordinated with the Bijbehara Police Station team to locate Lone in the Jamia Masjid area of Delhi.
Lone’s criminal record includes at least 14 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered at various police stations across Jammu and Kashmir, along with numerous complaints filed against him in different courts. During the arrest, authorities recovered substantial evidence, including seven ICICI Bank debit cards belonging to CRPF personnel, a laptop, a smartphone, forged stamps, chequebooks, passbooks from Jammu and Kashmir Bank, and personal identification documents such as his Aadhaar card, driving licence, and PAN card.
Reports appearing in the media suggested that Lone specifically targeted paramilitary personnel, taking advantage of their postings in remote areas to execute his schemes.
