The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Police have dropped the names of social media users from the chargesheet who were examined during the investigation of the multi-crore scam.

A bogus company operating under the name ‘Curative Survey Private Limited’ cheated the unsuspecting public through a fraudulent website by falsely promising them significant returns on their investments.

“The chargesheet produced by police before the Srinagar Court has dropped the names of social media users after finding them not involved in the scam. All the seven accused named in chargesheet are non-locals,” said Aamir Masoodi.

One of the accused Vinod Jhon Kenndy presently in judicial custody in the case is represented by criminal lawyer Aamir Masoodi. “I have moved the bail application of my client which has been listed for arguments,” he said.

“The social media influencers who promoted the company through various social media platforms were also examined, and their involvement in the crime is being investigated,” police have said.

The company had deceived the subscribers, persuading them to invest their hard-earned money with fake promises of returns. After misrepresenting and cheating, the company became unresponsive, leaving subscribers in the dark and leading to chaos, anguish, and protests.

The company had used the services of some social media users to promote their ‘business’ and motivate the general public to believe in double returns on investment.

After public outcry, an FIR No. 39/2023 under Section 66D of the IT Act and Section 420 of the IPC was registered at Cyber Police Station in Kashmir.

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SRINAGAR — Cyber Police Kashmir took action after it received information concerning alleged fraudulent activities by a company named "Curative Survey Private Limited," operating through a deceptive website, which reportedly scammed and defrauded numerous individuals.

In an official statement, a spokesperson highlighted how victims were misled by the company, enticing them to invest their hard-earned money with promises of substantial returns, only to be deceived.

"The registered individuals were promised payment for undertaking those surveys. In the last few days, the company allegedly stopped due payment to persons registered with it, and its promoters and directors absconded," the spokesperson stated.

Following the gravity of the situation, Cyber Police Kashmir promptly registered a case, FIR No. 39/2023, invoking relevant sections of the IPC and IT Act, and commenced investigations based on details provided by some victims. These details revealed the company's alleged commitments of payments to individuals engaging in daily survey activities via their website.

The lure of easy money within a short timeframe attracted unsuspecting individuals to subscribe to what appears to be a fraudulent scheme, as indicated in the preliminary stages of the investigation.

As part of the ongoing inquiry, Cyber Police Kashmir has frozen several identified accounts operated by the company and sealed its registered offices following searches conducted at multiple locations. The searches yielded incriminating materials, including electronic devices and documents.

Efforts are underway to identify and investigate the promoters of the company, with a parallel focus on examining the roles of local office staff and individuals promoting these schemes on social media platforms.

In light of these events, authorities urge caution against online scams, advising individuals to meticulously verify the legitimacy of online schemes before investing their hard-earned money. They also encourage citizens affected by this scam to come forward and share relevant information with the investigation agency.

"The investigation of the case is being handled expeditiously," the statement concluded.

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SRINAGAR — Cyber Police Kashmir initiated action against a purportedly fraudulent company, 'Curative Survey Private Limited,' accused of scamming individuals with false promises of exorbitant returns on investments. The company hoodwinked investors by doubling their money within 15 days, subsequently causing distress among the duped.

According to an FIR filed against the alleged company, it misleadingly lured individuals, primarily students and homemakers, into investing their savings. Initially receiving returns as promised, investors were later met with silence from the company, raising suspicions.

The FIR, invoking sections under the IT Act and IPC, outlined how the company deceived subscribers by abruptly disconnecting communication, triggering anguish and protests. Law enforcement took cognizance, filing FIR No. 39/2023 and initiating a probe led by an Inspector-rank officer.

Conducting searches and sealing the office at Karanagar, the cyber police raided five locations, confiscating electronic devices and crucial documents relevant to the financial scam. The total amount invested remains under investigation.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, assured stringent action against the culprits, emphasizing the need for cautious dealings in the era of rising online fraud. He affirmed that those involved in the deception will face legal consequences, urging vigilance before engaging in financial transactions to thwart potential scams.

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SRINAGAR — Idrees Mir, born and raised in the serene landscapes of Baramulla district in Kashmir, cultivated a deep passion for technology and community engagement from an early age. His innate fascination with digital platforms and social media laid the groundwork for his future endeavours as a content creator and influencer.

Emerging from the serene valleys of Kashmir, Idrees embarked on a journey into the digital realm, particularly on YouTube. Through his engaging and insightful videos, he masterfully captured the essence of life in Kashmir, portraying its rich culture, scenic beauty, and everyday experiences. His innate charm and ability to captivate audiences swiftly garnered a dedicated following, both within the region and beyond.

Idrees Mir's rise as an influencer

His burgeoning influence attracted the attention of brands and companies seeking to tap into his expansive reach. Recognizing his potential as a marketing influencer, Idrees Mir found himself at the epicentre of various promotional campaigns, endorsing products and services to his devoted audience. Among these endeavours was his collaboration with Curative Surveys Pvt. Ltd., a startup that pledged substantial returns on investments through its mobile application.

The 59 crore scandal controversy

The allure of doubling investments within an implausibly short timeframe enticed investors, with Idrees Mir and fellow influencers, including Yawar Wani, lending their credibility to the app through sponsored content and endorsements.

However, what commenced as a promising venture took an unexpected turn when the app vanished without a trace from the digital landscape, leaving a wake of tumult and financial turmoil. Shockingly, reports surfaced revealing that the app had amassed a staggering 59 crores from unsuspecting investors before abruptly halting operations.

The fallout from this financial debacle led to heated protests outside the shuttered office premises of Curative Surveys in Srinagar. Accusations flew, placing Idrees Mir and other influencers under intense scrutiny for their association with the now-discredited app. Allegations of manipulating public trust and enticing investors into the dubious scheme ignited widespread outrage.

Defending his position

In his defence, Idrees Mir clarified that his involvement was confined to promotional activities, having meticulously reviewed the company's documents before featuring it in his content. He asserted that multiple personalities, including journalists and influencers, also endorsed the app.

Amid mounting pressure for a comprehensive investigation by authorities, the controversy remains unresolved. Investors, reeling from substantial financial losses, are seeking redressal for their economic setbacks.

Navigating fallout and future endeavours

This unfortunate episode cast a shadow over Idrees Mir's once-thriving online presence, underscoring the profound consequences of affiliating with questionable ventures and the inherent risks associated with investing in seemingly lucrative yet unverified schemes.

As the saga unfolds, Idrees Mir faces the arduous task of rebuilding his credibility and addressing the repercussions of his involvement in the controversial promotion. Meanwhile, affected investors persist in their quest for justice and restitution for their financial hardships.

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