Baramulla, July 4: Police have apprehended two individuals involved in an extortion case in Baramulla where they demanded a sum of money to secure the release of a person detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
The suspects, identified as Mudasir Ahmad Wani son of Manzoor Ahmad Wani, a resident of Sangri Baramulla and Yasir Rashid Rather son of Abdul Rashid Rather, a resident of Malpora Sheeri, were taken into custody by the authorities.
A case has been registered, and an ongoing investigation is underway.
A police official said that the incident came to light when Faisal Bashir Saleh, son of the detainee, approached the Baramulla Police on July 3, 2023, and filed a written application detailing the ordeal.
Faisal’s father, Bashir Ahmad Saleh, had been held under the PSA since 2022.
“Two individuals, Mudasir Ahmad Wani and Yasir Rashid Rather, who claimed affiliation with a political party, approached the Saleh family, offering assistance in securing Bashir’s release. However, they demanded a hefty sum of Rs. 1 Lac,” the police official said.
Police said that due to their poor financial condition, the Saleh family was unable to meet the extortionists’ demands. Subsequently, Bashir Ahmad Saleh was released after the PSA against him was quashed.
However, the accused individuals persisted in their demands and threatened the family with serious consequences, including re-detaining Bashir, if they failed to pay the desired amount.
“Despite the family’s refusal and explanations of their financial constraints, Mudasir Ahmad Wani and Yasir Rashid Rather continued to harass them,” police further added.
“They repeatedly visited the Saleh residence, made numerous phone calls, and issued warnings.”
Police said that in an attempt to keep his father safe, Faisal managed to arrange Rs. 10,000 and handed it over to the accused individuals.
“However, they set a deadline for the remaining amount of Rs. 1 Lac.”
Police promptly registered a case, FIR No. 134/2023 under sections 384 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), at the Police Station Baramulla.
