Srinagar: Police on Wednesday arrested a Sarpanch for the offense of “cheating and dishonestly” after he allegedly took Rs 1.1 Lakh from families of two persons, arrested for questioning in a militancy-related case, to secure their release in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
“Two suspects (names withheld) from Kokernag were called for questioning regarding a (militancy related incident). While they were being questioned to establish their involvement or otherwise, their families approached one person Nisar Ahmad Khan of Kadipora, Anantnag to secure their release,” police said in a statement.
In the meanwhile, police said, the two individuals were not found involved or having any knowledge of circumstances that resulted in the commission of incident. Accordingly they were released. “Subsequently it was known that they have paid money to Nisar Ahmad Khan. The said person who is Sarpanch of Gopalpora village had taken Rupees One Lakh and ten thousand from the families promising their release,” police said.
Nisar had approached police and also sought appointment with a police officer for the same, police said. “He was however not allowed to meet the officer and instead conveyed on phone that they will be sent home if not found involved,” police said, adding, “FIR No 238/2021 under section 420 IPC (cheating and dishonesty) was registered in Police Station Anantnag against the accused and money so paid to him has been recovered.”
The money, police said, will be handed over to families with due process. “He has been arrested in the instant case. Further investigation is going on,” police said, adding, “People are advised to refrain from paying money to touts and unscrupulous elements and instead meet senior police officers in their respective areas for redressal of any grievances.”
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