Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD) Srinagar Police have busted an online fraud racket and arrested two individuals for circulating a fake medical donation appeal on Facebook, in which they used a woman’s photograph without her consent to solicit funds under false pretenses.
The case was initiated following a complaint filed on May 30, by Muneer Ahmad Misger, a resident of Nowhatta, who reported that an unidentified person had posted his sister’s photograph on Facebook along with a fabricated story about a medical emergency, requesting public donations for a surgery that never took place.
“The post was misleading and intended to cheat people by exploiting an innocent woman’s image,” the complainant stated.
Acting swiftly, Police Station Nowhatta registered FIR No. 21/2025 under Sections 318(2) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation.
During the probe, the administrator of the Facebook page that shared the fraudulent post was identified as Mohammad Lateef Lone, son of Ali Mohammad Lone, a resident of Tujan, Pulwama. He was promptly taken into custody.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Amir Yousuf Khan, son of Mohammad Yousuf Khan, originally from Bandipora and currently residing in Gulab Bagh, Zakoora. Police said Khan was responsible for sharing the bank account details used to collect donations from unsuspecting individuals.
“Both accused have been arrested and are in police custody,” officials confirmed, adding that more arrests are expected as the investigation expands to uncover other individuals involved in the scam.
Police have strongly advised the public and media to avoid sharing the fake post, emphasizing that it is part of a deliberate fraud scheme. “Circulating such misinformation not only promotes criminal activity but also causes emotional harm to the victim’s family,” the statement read.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and immediately report any suspicious online fundraising appeals to the nearest police station(DD)