Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir police have dismantled a complex fraud network that baited job‑seekers with promises of government posts, Special Police Officer (SPO) appointments, official clearances and overseas travel opportunities.

Complaint Over Bogus SPO Appointment Triggers Probe

The case opened after a resident filed a grievance at Beerwah police station on 17 August 2026, alleging that he had handed over roughly Rs 3 lakh in exchange for an SPO posting. He later received a document resembling an appointment and recommendation letter supposedly issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

Verification showed the paper bore the name of the then Union Home Secretary and was addressed to the Jammu & Kashmir Director General of Police, allegedly confirming the recruitment of ten youths from various villages in Budgam as Special Police Officers.

Search Leads to Cache of Forged 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 fabricated government orders, official‑looking stamps, 12 ATM cards, blank bank letterheads, identity proofs and passport‑visa paperwork.

A diary found at the scene appears to record cash movements. Police are analysing its entries to map the money trail and identify any additional conspirators.

Victims Lured by Job and Benefit Promises

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

Several 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 jobs, SPO recruitment, scheme approvals, subsidies and overseas travel.

The scheme began with a modest upfront fee. Once trust was established, the criminals demanded progressively larger sums. Evidence points to economically vulnerable groups, including daily‑wage laborers, being deliberately targeted.

WhatsApp ‘View Once’ Feature Used to Share Fake Files

Police say many of the forged documents were circulated via WhatsApp’s ‘View Once’ mode, which makes media disappear after a single glance. Investigators are probing whether this tactic was chosen to make the counterfeit files harder to retain or trace.

Passport and Visa Documents Hint at an International Angle

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 deception.

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

Possibility of Additional Arrests

Police believe the two individuals already in custody – advocate Jahangir Ahmad Dar and JKPF chairman Firdous Nabi – may be linked to a wider conspiracy. Their interrogations aim to reveal more participants, the total sum extracted, the number of victims and the extent of forged government documentation employed.

As the inquiry progresses, officials warn that further arrests are likely once deeper details of the network emerge.