GANDERBAL, June 4: In a major crackdown ahead of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Ganderbal Police have foiled an alleged fraud racket and arrested a man accused of impersonating a government employee to deceive vendors and service providers associated with the pilgrimage.
According to police, Police Station Sonamarg received credible information on May 27 that a person identified as Mohd Ayob Jara, son of Abdul Rehman Jara and a resident of Androola, Poonch, was operating in the Domail area while falsely claiming to be a government official deployed along the Domail axis of the Amarnath Cave route.
Investigations revealed that the accused allegedly approached visiting vendors and service providers, offering to facilitate their pilgrimage-related arrangements and access in return for money. Police said he used his false identity to gain the confidence of prospective victims and extract financial benefits.
Acting swiftly on the information, Police Station Sonamarg registered an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation into the matter.
The accused was apprehended on the evening of June 3, 2026, police said, adding that further investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the fraud and identify any possible associates or victims linked to the case.
Police have urged the public, particularly vendors and service providers connected with the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, to remain vigilant and verify the credentials of individuals claiming to represent government agencies before engaging in any financial transactions.(KNC)
