SHOPIAN: Police in Shopian has arrested a conman for duping an individual by falsely promising to secure the release of his brother from police custody at Police Station Zainapora.

Police Station Shopian received a complaint on 04/01/2026 through WhatsApp from Asif Ahmad Parrah son of Mohd Maqbool Parrah resident of Humhuna, Zainapora. The complainant alleged that a conman, identified as Sajad Ahmad Bhat son of Gh Hassan Bhat resident of Mundoora, Tral, fraudulently took ₹5,40,000/- from him by falsely assuring the release of his brother from police custody. Pertinently, the complainant’s brother Umer Maqbool had been lawfully arrested in connection with FIR No. 108/2025 under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act, registered at Police Station Zainapora.

Taking advantage of the situation, the accused falsely claimed to be a government employee and asserted that he had sufficient influence to arrange the release of the complainant’s brother. On this false pretext, he cheated the complainant and fraudulently obtained the said amount. Taking cognizance of the complaint, Police Station Shopian registered E.FIR No. 03/2026 under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

During the course of investigation, ₹1.50 lakh has been recovered so far from the accused. The accused has been taken into custody, and efforts are underway to recover the remaining amount. Further investigation into the case is in progress. People are advised to remain vigilant and stay away from individuals who make false claims of influence or promise illegal favours. Any such attempts should be promptly reported to the nearest police station.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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