Srinagar, July 20: The Special Crime Wing of the Crime Branch, Kashmir on Monday said it conducted searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts after busting an extortion racket in which fraudsters allegedly impersonated Crime Branch and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials to threaten and extort over Rs 30 lakh from a senior citizen.
In a statement issued here, a spokesman of the organisation said that the Special Crime Wing of the Crime Branch, J&K, is conducting searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts in connection with FIR No. 18/2026 registered under Sections 204, 319(2), 308(2), 338 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
He said the case pertains to an organised gang of fraudsters who impersonated Crime Branch and ACB officials to threaten senior citizens with false complaints, arrest them and extort money.
“The accused individuals in this case have extorted over Rs 30 lakh from a senior citizen residing in Srinagar city. Searches are being conducted at the residences of the accused, namely (1) Mubashir Ahmad Yatto (Wani), S/o Ali Mohammad Yatto (Wani), R/o Near Masjid Salmani Farsi, Rangil, Nagbal, Ganderbal; (2) Naseer Maqbool Bichoo, S/o Mohammad Maqbool Bichoo, R/o Near Gulshan Valley Hotel, Khwaja Yarbal, Saidakadal, Srinagar; (3) Mudasir Sadiq Najar, S/o Mohammad Sadiq Najar, R/o Kalal Doori, Naid Kadal, S.R. Gunj, Srinagar; and (4) Muneer Ahmad Mir, S/o Abdul Rashid Mir, R/o Gousia Colony, near Saint Solomon School, Elahi Bagh, Srinagar,” the spokesperson said.
He said the Special Crime Wing of the Crime Branch, J&K, has appealed to the public to remain vigilant against individuals involved in serious criminal activities, including cheating, forgery, cyber-enabled offences, impersonation and other organised crimes.
“Citizens are advised not to fall prey to fraudulent schemes, forged documents or false promises made for unlawful gain. Anyone who comes across such criminal activities or suspects any person of indulging in similar offences is requested to report the matter immediately to the nearest police station or the Crime Branch, J&K, so that prompt legal action can be initiated in accordance with the law,” the spokesperson said.
