Budgam, Oct 9: Budgam Police have arrested three more persons in an alleged fraud syndicate accused of cheating people on the pretext of providing government jobs, securing educational admissions outside Jammu and Kashmir and offering lucrative business opportunities, taking the total number of arrests in the case to five.
The newly arrested accused have been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Bhat of Watpora, Bandipora; Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat of Kaloosa, Bandipora; and Saleem Ali Bhat of Plan, Bandipora. Police said Zahoor Ahmad Bhat had emerged as a key alleged conspirator during the investigation.
Questioning of the accused is underway to establish their individual roles, ascertain the alleged modus operandi of the network and identify other persons who may be involved in the case.
Earlier, police had arrested Jehangir Ahmad Dar and Firdous Ahmad Bhat in connection with the investigation.
According to police, the alleged syndicate cheated unsuspecting people by promising government employment, admissions to educational institutions outside the Union Territory and profitable business deals through fictitious business entities. The accused allegedly claimed links with senior government officials and political figures to gain victims’ trust and induce them to pay substantial sums of money.
Police said the investigation is focused on tracing financial transactions, identifying additional victims and associates, and determining the full extent of the alleged fraud. Further arrests and recoveries may follow as the investigation progresses.
Budgam Police have advised the public to verify claims relating to government jobs, educational admissions and business opportunities through authorised channels. People who believe they have been targeted by similar frauds have been urged to report the matter to their nearest police station.
