Budgam, Oct 9, KDC: Budgam Police have arrested three more persons in an alleged white-collar criminal syndicate case involving fraudulent government job offers, educational admissions and fictitious business deals, taking the total number of arrests to five.
The newly arrested accused have been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Habib Ullah Bhat, a resident of Watpora, Bandipora; Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd. Yousuf Bhat, a resident of Kaloosa, Bandipora; and Saleem Ali Bhat, son of Mohd. Shafi Bhat, a resident of Plan, Bandipora.
According to police, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat has emerged as a key alleged conspirator during the investigation. Questioning of the newly arrested accused is underway to ascertain their individual roles, establish the modus operandi of the alleged network and identify other persons linked to the case.
Earlier, Budgam Police had arrested two accused, identified as Jehangir Ahmad Dar and Firdous Ahmad Bhat, in connection with the case.
The investigation concerns allegations that the syndicate cheated members of the public by promising government jobs, admissions to educational institutions outside Jammu and Kashmir, and lucrative business opportunities through fictitious business entities.
The accused allegedly gained the trust of victims by projecting influence and claiming connections with senior government officials and political figures, thereby inducing them to pay substantial amounts of money.
Police are investigating the financial transactions involved in the alleged fraud, identifying additional victims and associates, and examining possible links to other individuals. Further arrests and recoveries are likely as the investigation progresses.
Budgam Police have urged the public to exercise caution and verify claims regarding government employment, educational admissions and business opportunities through authorised channels.
People who may have fallen victim to similar fraudulent activities have been advised to approach their nearest police station and report the matter.
Police said they remain committed to protecting the public from financial fraud and taking legal action against those found involved in such activities. (KDC)
