Srinagar, Jan. 6 -- Police in Shopian has arrested a con man for duping an individual by falsely promising to secure the release of his brother from police custody at Zainapora police station. A spokesman said that Shopian police station received a complaint on January 4 through WhatsApp from Asif Ahmad Parrah of Humhuna, Zainapora. The complainant alleged that a person, identified as Sajad Ahmad Bhat of Mundoora, Tral, fraudulently took Rs.5,40,000 from him by falsely assuring the release of his brother from police custody. "The complainant's brother Umer Maqbool had been arrested in connection with FIR under Sections 8/20 of the NDPS Act.Taking advantage of the situation, the accused falsely claimed to be a government employee and asserted that he had sufficient influence to arrange the release of the complainant's brother. On this false pretext, he cheated the complainant and fraudulently obtained the said amount," the spokesman said, adding that taking cognizance of the complaint, Shopian police station registered e-FIR under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the BNS. "During investigation, Rs.1.50 lakh has been recovered so far from the accused. He has been taken into custody, and efforts are underway to recover the remaining amount. Further probe is underway. People are advised to remain vigilant and stay away from individuals who make false claims. Any such attempts should be promptly reported," police spokesman said.htc...