The Special Crime Wing, Kashmir of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday conducted simultaneous searches at multiple locations in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts, busting an organised extortion racket allegedly involved in impersonating law enforcement officials and defrauding senior citizens.
According to officials, the searches were conducted in connection with FIR No. 18/2026 registered under Sections 204, 319(2), 308(2), 338 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation pertains to an organised gang that allegedly posed as officials of the Crime Branch and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to threaten senior citizens with fabricated complaints and arrests before extorting money from them.
Crime Branch officials said the accused allegedly extorted more than Rs 30 lakh from a senior citizen residing in Srinagar.
Searches were carried out at the residences of the accused, who have been identified as Mubashir Ahmad Yatto (Wani) of Rangil, Nagbal in Ganderbal; Naseer Maqbool Bichoo of Khwaja Yarbal, Saidakadal in Srinagar; Mudasir Sadiq Najar of Kalal Doori, Naid Kadal, S.R. Gunj in Srinagar; and Muneer Ahmad Mir of Gousia Colony, Elahi Bagh in Srinagar.
The Special Crime Wing, Kashmir appealed to the public to remain vigilant against individuals involved in cheating, forgery, cyber-enabled offences, impersonation, and other forms of organised crime.
Citizens have been advised not to fall victim to fraudulent schemes, forged documents, or false promises made for unlawful gain. The Crime Branch has urged people to immediately report any such criminal activities or suspicious individuals to the nearest police station or the Crime Branch for prompt legal action.
