Two arrested in ₹55 lakh fake business scam in Anantnag, wider racket suspected: Police

August 8, 2025 by News Desk

In a major crackdown on organised financial crime, Anantnag Police have arrested two alleged habitual fraudsters accused of running a multi-layered racket involving fake business ventures, cheating, and criminal intimidation.

As per a Police press statement issued to The Kashmiriyat, the accused have been identified as Tasaduq Hussain Dar, also known as Haji Tasaduq, son of Abdul Gani Dar, a resident of Sadoora, Anantnag, and Mohd Iqbal Wani, also known as Iqbal Bumdori, son of Mohd Sikander Wani, a resident of Bumdoora, Kokernag.

According to police, the duo allegedly posed as businessmen dealing in real estate, fruit trade, and the lucrative wild garlic (jangli lahsun) business to lure unsuspecting investors with promises of high returns.

“Once money changed hands, the victims were reportedly threatened or intimidated when they demanded repayment,” Police spokesperson said.

The arrests follow a complaint from a resident of Kishtwar, who claimed he had been cheated of ₹55 lakh in a fraudulent wild garlic trade deal.

Acting on the complaint, Police Station Anantnag registered FIR No. 126/2025 under Sections 318(4), 351(2), and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Initial investigations indicate this is not an isolated case, a senior police official said, adding that authorities are working to identify other victims and potential associates linked to the racket.

Anantnag Police have appealed to members of the public who may have been defrauded through similar schemes involving the two accused to come forward and contact Police Station Anantnag.

Officials say this action is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised criminal syndicates in the region. “We are committed to ensuring such fraudsters are brought to justice,” the police statement said.