SHOPIAN — A man has been arrested for allegedly posing as an employee of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Shopian, and cheating the family of a cancer patient of ₹9,999, police said on Saturday.
According to a police spokesperson, Farooq Ahmad Sofi, a resident of Manghama, had posted an appeal on social media seeking financial assistance for the treatment of his son, who is undergoing cancer treatment.
Taking advantage of the appeal, the accused, Umar Shameem Ganie, a resident of Memandar, allegedly posed as an employee of the DC Office, Shopian, and assured the family that he would facilitate financial assistance from the Deputy Commissioner for the patient’s treatment, the spokesperson said.
On this pretext, Ganie allegedly obtained ₹9,999 from the complainant, police said.
The accused was later traced by the complainant in Shopian market, where he allegedly manhandled, intimidated and threatened him, according to police.
An e-FIR has been registered at Police Station Shopian under Sections 204, 318(2), 319(2), 351(2) and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the accused has been arrested, the spokesperson said.
Police said preliminary investigation had also brought to light allegations of similar fraudulent activities by the accused against other persons, which are being verified.
The investigation is underway, with police saying further developments would be shared as the case progresses.
Police have meanwhile urged the public to remain vigilant against online fraudsters and impersonators, particularly those who misuse genuine requests for financial assistance.
People have also been advised to verify the identity and credentials of anyone claiming to facilitate financial assistance on behalf of government offices or officials and to report suspicious activity to the police.
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