Baramulla: In a swift action, the Baramulla Police successfully thwarted an extortion racket preying on the vulnerability of a distressed family.
Two political workers, identified as Ashiq Hussain Ganai, popularly known as Ashiq MLA, and Manzoor Ahmed Bhat, were apprehended by the police for their involvement in demanding a hefty ransom in exchange for the release of a person held in custody. The third accused, Ashiq Hussain Lone, remains at large, and the authorities are actively pursuing leads to bring him to justice, sources in police said.
They said that the incident came to light on 27th July 2023, when Ishfaq Ahmad Shiekh, son of Gh Mohammad Shiekh, resident of Lokipora Khag, approached the Baramulla Police with a written complaint. The application detailed the plight of Ishfaq’s brother, Athar who had been detained in connection with a murder case since 2022.
Exploiting the family’s distressing situation, three individuals, claiming to be affiliated with a political party, approached the Shiekh family. The names of the accused were revealed to be Ashiq Hussain Ganai, Manzoor Ahmed Bhat, and Ashiq Hussain Lone, who hail from Bandipora.
The accused demanded a staggering sum of Rs 5 Lacs as a ransom for securing Athar Alie Shiekh’s release from custody. In their desperation to secure their loved one’s freedom, the complainant sold his land and provided the money to the extortionists, said the sources.
To the family’s dismay, the accused failed to deliver on their promise and secure the detainee’s release, leaving them in a state of distress and financial hardship. Ishfaq Ahmad Shiekh then sought the return of the money, only to be met with more audacious demands from the extortionists. Threatening severe consequences, the accused demanded additional funds, warning that they would implicate Athar Alie Shiekh in multiple cases if their demands were not met, said the sources.
Taking immediate action upon receiving the complaint, the Baramulla Police launched a thorough investigation into the matter. They promptly registered a case (FIR No. 152/2023) against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 384 (extortion), 420 (cheating), and 506 (criminal intimidation).
With commendable efficiency, the police managed to apprehend two of the accused, Ashiq Hussain Ganai and Manzoor Ahmed Bhat, bringing some respite to the aggrieved family. However, the pursuit of justice is not yet complete, as the hunt for the third accused, Ashiq Hussain Lone, continues.
Disturbingly, this is not an isolated incident. It has been reported that this is the second extortion racket exposed by the Baramulla Police in the last month. This revelation has underscored the pressing need for heightened vigilance and caution among the general public, who must be wary of falling victim to such unscrupulous scams, a police officer said.
In response to the incident, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Baramulla Amod Ashok Nagpuri has issued a call to action for citizens. He urges them to report any suspicious activities and fraudulent schemes directly to him, assuring the public of the police force’s unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption and ensuring safety and security for all.
