Shopian, Oct 3 (NVI) A man was arrested in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly impersonating a government employee and cheating the family of a cancer patient of Rs 9,999, police said on Saturday.
The case came to light after Farooq Ahmad Sofi of Manghama approached police following a social media appeal seeking financial assistance for the treatment of his son, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, they said.
Taking advantage of the appeal, the accused, identified as Umar Shameem Ganie of Memander, allegedly posed as an employee of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Shopian and assured the family that he would facilitate financial assistance from the administration, police said.
He allegedly obtained Rs 9,999 from the complainant on the pretext of arranging the assistance, they said.
The accused was later traced by the complainant in Shopian market, where he allegedly manhandled, intimidated and threatened him, according to police.
An e-FIR has been registered at Police Station Shopian and the accused has been arrested, police said.
Preliminary investigation has also revealed allegations of similar fraudulent activities by the accused against other people, which are being verified, they said.
Police have urged people to remain vigilant against online fraudsters and impersonators and verify the credentials of anyone claiming to facilitate financial assistance on behalf of government offices or officials.—(NVI)
