The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — Authorities at the Police Station Rajpora in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district received a tip-off today from credible sources, indicating illicit extortion activities targeting the general public within the station's jurisdiction through coercive means.

In response to this alarming revelation, a case under FIR No. 22/2024, invoking sections 384, 506, and 420 of the law, was promptly registered, initiating a thorough investigation into the matter.

As the investigation progressed, law enforcement officials apprehended a suspect identified as Andleeb Ahmad Mir, son of Abdul Rasheed Mir and resident of Rajpora. During the arrest, two toy pistols believed to have been utilized in the commission of the crime were seized from his possession.

While Andleeb Ahmad Mir remains in custody, the investigation into the case continues to unfold, with authorities diligently pursuing all leads to uncover the full extent of the criminal activity.

In light of this incident, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals engaging in extortion or other unlawful activities to the police promptly. Such collaborative efforts are vital in maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law, the police statement said.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Police in Anantnag have taken legal action against Saqib Bashir Ganai, accused of unlawfully extorting money from individuals, following reports and a formal complaint.

Based on social media reports and an official complaint, Ganai, a resident of Rakh Moman in Bijbehara, Anantnag district, allegedly engaged in deceitful and intimidating tactics to extort money from unsuspecting victims.

An official statement from the police authorities in this connection confirmed the initiation of legal proceedings against Ganai. FIR No. 294/2023 has been filed against him under pertinent sections of the law at Police Station Bijbehara.

Authorities have apprehended and identified Ganai in connection with the case.

The police cautioned citizens about exercising caution while using social media and online platforms. They encouraged individuals with grievances to approach law enforcement directly for appropriate legal recourse instead of resorting to social media.

It is in place to mention here that the incident came to light after Dr Abdul Bari Naik, a social activist from Kulgam, exposed Ganai in a video posted on his Facebook page on December 23. The video quickly went viral, prompting swift action from local law enforcement agencies against the accused blackmailer.

PULWAMA — Jammu & Kashmir Police busted an extortion racket in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on late Monday night.

As per the official statement, "Police Station Rajpora received a written complaint from one (name withheld for security reasons) wherein he stated that at about 1930 hours, while on way to home from his clinic, some unknown person intercepted him and threatened him with weapons and asked for money & other valuable items and fled away from the spot by taking his wallet containing Rs 3300 and mobile phone."

"Upon this report, a Case FIR No. 8/2023 under relevant sections of law stands registered in Police Station Rajpora, and the investigation was set into motion," the statement added.

According to the police, several persons were rounded up during the course of the investigation. "One among them has been identified as Adil Ahmad Dar son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, resident of Bellow village."

Adil was interrogated professionally and revealed that he has committed the said crime using 'toy' pistols. "Upon his disclosure, the following articles were recovered: Toy Pistols (2); Wallets (3); Redmi Mobile Phone; Cash of Rs 3330; J&K Bank ATM; Aadhar Card; SBI ATM Card, Driving License; PAN Card; Election Card; Jio SIM Card belonging to the complainant and a voucher bearing number 678 of Altaf Electric Works Shopain."

"Further investigation into the matter is in progress," the police statement said, adding that the general public is requested not to fall into any such trap and to inform the concerned police station about any such incident.