Srinagar, April 26: Police on Tuesday arrested a man for allegedly duping an elderly woman of Rs 50000 for securing the release of her son arrested in a militancy-related case in January last year.

“Acting swiftly on a complaint filed by one woman, Baramulla Police arrested one fraudster namely Mohammad Shafi Bhat son of Ghulm Mohammad Bhat of Iqbal colony Old Town Baramulla and recovered an amount of Rs 50000 from his possession which he had taken from complainant for release of his son namely Shabir Ahmad Teli of Bangla Bag Baramulla from police custody who was arrested by Police on 07/01/2021 in case FIR No218/2020 under section 7/25 Arms Act 18 19 20 39 ULA(P) Act,” a police officer said.

Teeli is presently lodged in District Jail Rajouri.

“The complainant in her compliant has stated that the fraudster has not helped in any way in releasing her son,” he said , adding, “Later the fraudster has issued fake cheques in favour of the complainant (woman) which got bounced thus duped and cheated this widow and poverty ridden 80 year old woman without any courtesy. “

The officer said Bhat was posing as social activist as he remains very active on social media, giving an impression of being a responsible citizen “with intent to target gullible masses.”
He has been remanded to Police custody by Court of Sub Judge Baramulla till May 5, the officer added.