Kashmir

Fraudster arrested for impersonating govt official in Srinagar

SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a fraudster in Srinagar district on Tuesday for falsely claiming to be a government officer in an attempt to defraud an individual of a substantial sum of money, promising to secure the release of a drug peddler arrested for drug-related crimes.

“On 06/01/2025, a complaint was filed by Ms. Safiya Riyaz, wife of Riyaz Ahmad Channa, accusing Sadiq Hassan Chaloo, a resident of Shaheedgunj, of impersonating a government officer and defrauding her of ₹2 lakh. The accused falsely claimed to have influence to facilitate the release of her husband, who had been arrested on 19/11/2024 by Police Station Rajbagh in a narcotics case. Upon discovering the deception and demanding the money back, the accused returned only a partial amount and denied the rest,” police said in a statement.

In this connection, a case under sections 318(4), 319, and 351(2) of the BNS Act has been registered, and the fraudster has been arrested. The investigation is going on.

It is pertinent to mention that the husband of the complainant, Riyaz Ahmad Channa, had been booked under the PIT NDPS Act and is presently lodged in Sub Jail Baderwah.

“We urge the public not to fall prey to any individual claiming to have influence with law enforcement authorities. Anyone making such claims should be immediately reported to the nearest Police Station or by dialing 112,” the statement said. — (KIMS)