January 05: Police in Shopian has arrested a conman for duping an individual by falsely promising to secure the release of his brother from police custody at Police Station Zainapora.
Police Station Shopian received a complaint on 04/01/2026 through WhatsApp from Asif Ahmad Parrah son of Mohd Maqbool Parrah resident of Humhuna, Zainapora. The complainant alleged that a conman, identified as Sajad Ahmad Bhat son of Gh Hassan Bhat resident of Mundoora, Tral, fraudulently took ₹5,40,000/- from him by falsely assuring the release of his brother from police custody. Pertinently, the complainant’s brother Umer Maqbool had been lawfully arrested in connection with FIR No. 108/2025 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act, registered at Police Station Zainapora.
Taking advantage of the situation, the accused falsely claimed to be a government employee and asserted that he had sufficient influence to arrange the release of the complainant’s brother. On this false pretext, he cheated the complainant and fraudulently obtained the said amount.
Taking cognizance of the complaint, Police Station Shopian registered E.FIR No. 03/2026 under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
During the course of investigation, ₹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. Further investigation into the case is in progress.
People are advised to remain vigilant and stay away from individuals who make false claims of influence or promise illegal favours. Any such attempts should be promptly reported to the nearest police station.
