Srinagar: The police of Jammu and Kashmir have dismantled an elaborate fraud network that duped aspirants with promises of government jobs, Special Police Officer (SPO) appointments, official clearances and overseas travel schemes.

Complaint Triggers Probe into Bogus SPO Appointment

The case unfolded after a resident filed a grievance at Beerwah police station on 17 August 2026. He alleged that he had handed over roughly Rs 3 lakh after being assured of an SPO posting, only to receive a forged appointment and recommendation letter that appeared to originate from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Verification showed that the document cited the name of the then Union Home Secretary and was addressed to the Director General of Police, J&K, purportedly confirming the recruitment of ten youths from various Budgam villages as Special Police Officers.

Raids Reveal Counterfeit Official Documents

Investigators traced the operation to advocate Jahangir Ahmad Dar. A raid on his rented flat in Nanak Nagar, Jammu, uncovered a trove of falsified government orders, official‑looking stamps, 12 ATM cards, blank bank letterheads, identity proofs and passport‑visa paperwork.

A diary seized at the scene appears to record financial transactions. Police are analysing its entries to map money flows and identify additional conspirators.

Victims Lured by Job and Benefit Guarantees

Preliminary findings indicate the racket may have been active since 2019. Authorities estimate the fraud could involve close to Rs 2 crore, though the investigation remains ongoing.

Multiple complaints cite payments of Rs 2.3 lakh, Rs 15 lakh and Rs 27 lakh to the fraudsters. The perpetrators allegedly enticed victims with promises of government employment, SPO recruitment, scheme approvals, subsidies and overseas travel.

The modus operandi began with a modest upfront fee; once trust was established, the scammers demanded progressively larger sums. Evidence points to a deliberate targeting of economically vulnerable groups, especially daily‑wage labourers.

WhatsApp ‘View Once’ Used to Transmit Forged Papers

Police discovered that many counterfeit documents were shared via WhatsApp’s ‘View Once’ feature, which erases media after a single view. Investigators are probing whether this method was chosen to make the forged files harder to retain or trace.

Passport and Visa Files Suggest an International Dimension

The seizure of passport‑ and visa‑related material adds another layer to the case. Authorities are now examining whether the network had overseas contacts or if promises of foreign admission and travel were part of the same scam.

Investigators are scrutinising the confiscated documents, financial records and other evidence to reconstruct the full structure of the alleged operation.

Potential for Additional Arrests

Police believe the two detainees – advocate Jahangir Ahmad Dar and JKPF chairman Firdous Nabi – may be linked to a wider conspiracy. Their interrogations aim to expose further participants, the total amount collected, the number of victims and the extent of falsified government documentation employed.

Officials caution that more arrests are likely as the investigation deepens and further details of the network emerge.