BUDGAM: Budgam Police have uncovered an alleged job and government-subsidy fraud racket involving more than ₹2 crore, arresting two persons, including a practising advocate, in connection with the case.
Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam K.K. Hariprasad said the alleged syndicate had been operating since 2019 and is suspected of cheating people by promising government jobs, Special Police Officer (SPO) appointments, subsidies, admissions to foreign universities and other benefits.
The arrested accused have been identified as Firdous Nabi of Zabgula, Beerwah, and advocate Jehangir Ahmad Dar of Rathsuna, Beerwah.
According to police, the case surfaced after a complaint was lodged at Police Station Beerwah on August 17 alleging that Firdous Nabi had taken around ₹3 lakh on the promise of securing an SPO appointment. The complainant reportedly produced a purported appointment letter allegedly issued in the name of the Union Home Secretary recommending several candidates for SPO appointments.
Police said a preliminary inquiry found the document to be fake, leading to the registration of FIR No. 183/2026 at Police Station Beerwah. During the investigation, the alleged involvement of Jehangir Ahmad Dar also emerged, resulting in his arrest.
The probe widened after another complainant alleged being cheated of around ₹6.5 lakh on the promise of obtaining a government subsidy.
Police subsequently searched Dar’s rented accommodation in Jammu’s Nanak Nagar area and seized documents and materials allegedly linked to the fraud, including purported fake government orders, stamps, 12 ATM cards, blank Jammu and Kashmir Bank letterheads, identity cards, passports and visa-related documents.
Officials said investigators also recovered a diary allegedly containing records of financial transactions and details of individuals from whom money had been collected.
According to the SSP, the accused allegedly gained the confidence of victims by offering assistance in government-related matters and initially handling smaller transactions before demanding larger sums. Police alleged that fake documents were often shared through WhatsApp’s “view once” feature to prevent victims from retaining copies.
Several additional complaints have surfaced during the investigation. Police said complainants from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir have alleged being duped of amounts ranging from ₹2.3 lakh for foreign university admissions to ₹27 lakh for promised jobs.
Another case involving a purported fake SPO appointment order was registered on October 3 and later transferred to Police Station Budgam as FIR No. 290/2026.
Hariprasad said the investigation so far suggests that the documents purportedly issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs were fabricated and that no evidence has yet emerged indicating involvement of government offices in their preparation.
Police also recovered a purported Bar Association stamp during the search. Authorities have sought verification from the concerned Bar Association regarding its authenticity and authorised use.
The SSP said the investigation remains at an early stage and police believe the two arrested individuals may not be the only members of the network. Efforts are underway to identify additional suspects and trace possible links beyond Jammu and Kashmir.
Police have estimated the alleged fraud at over ₹2 crore so far, though officials said the figure could rise as financial records and transactions are examined further.
The investigation is continuing.
