Police in Shopian have arrested a conman for allegedly cheating a man of ₹5.4 lakh by falsely promising to secure the release of his brother from police custody at Zainapora police station.
According to a police statement issued on January 5, Police Station Shopian received a complaint on January 4, 2026, via WhatsApp from Asif Ahmad Parrah of Humhuna, Zainapora.
The complainant alleged that Sajad Ahmad Bhat of Mundoora, Tral, duped him by assuring the release of his brother, Umer Maqbool, who had been lawfully arrested in connection with FIR No. 108/2025 under Sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Zainapora.
Police said the accused exploited the family’s distress, falsely presenting himself as a government employee and claiming he wielded sufficient influence to get the accused released. On this pretext, he fraudulently obtained ₹5,40,000 from the complainant.
Acting on the complaint, police registered E-FIR No. 03/2026 under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation.
During the probe, police have so far recovered ₹1.50 lakh from the accused, who has been taken into custody. Efforts are underway to recover the remaining amount, and further investigation is in progress.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid individuals who claim influence or promise illegal favours, advising that any such attempts be immediately reported to the nearest police station.
