Jammu, January 30:
In a swift crackdown on municipal fraud, the Jammu Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly impersonating officials of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC). The duo is accused of running a sophisticated racket that targeted homeowners by promising to “fast-track” official documentation for house construction.
The accused, identified as Mohd Shabiq and Mohd Zaffar, both residents of the Bantalab area, were apprehended following a 48-hour manhunt led by the Domana Police.
The Modus Operandi: How the Scam Worked
According to police officials, the duo utilized a mix of deception and urgency to fleece unsuspecting citizens. Their strategy included:
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False Representation: Posing as high-ranking or field officials of the JMC.
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The “Construction” Trap: Approaching residents involved in house construction and claiming that their official municipal procedures were flawed or incomplete.
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Financial Inducement: Demanding money via online transactions and cash on the pretext of “document preparation” and “clearance fees.”
The Investigation & Arrest
The house of cards collapsed after a suspicious citizen filed a complaint at the Domana Police Station.
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Verification: Police immediately coordinated with the JMC headquarters.
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Confirmation: The JMC officially confirmed that neither Shabiq nor Zaffar were affiliated with the corporation in any capacity.
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The Sting: An FIR was registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on Wednesday. Within 48 hours, tracking teams located and arrested both suspects.
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Recovery: Police have successfully recovered the extorted money from the accused.
Police Warning: Verify Before You Pay
Authorities believe this may be part of a larger network. Further investigations are underway to uncover potential links to other similar frauds in the Jammu region.
“We advise the general public to remain vigilant. Do not share financial information or make payments to individuals claiming to be government officials without first verifying their official credentials through the proper departmental channels.” — Official Statement, Jammu Police.
