Srinagar, Aug 07: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a couple for impersonating as IAS and IPS officers in the central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.
According to police, “Acting on a written complaint received by Police Station Sadder, authorities exposed the fraudulent activities of the duo who had been duping individuals by falsely claiming to hold high-ranking government positions.”
The accused individuals have been identified as Manmohan Gangoo, son of Late Gardari Lal Gangoo, hailing from Barnai, Jammu, and Ayoush Koul, his wife. Gangoo had been masquerading as a suspended HC officer with a fake IPS designation, while Koul had been posing as an IAS officer, the police statement revealed.
The incident came to light after multiple victims reported that they had been cheated under the pretense of job offers and other promises. A FIR (First Information Report) was swiftly registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 419, 420, 468, 471, 170, and 467, leading to the immediate arrest of the accused.
During the investigation, substantial evidence emerged, including recovered money, jewelry, and electronic gadgets, which were seized in front of Executive Magistrates. The seized electronic devices contained fabricated documents, including fraudulent orders portraying Gangoo’s fictional induction into the IPS.
The police issued a warning to the public, urging them to be cautious and vigilant against such fraudulent activities and to report any suspicious individuals promising unwarranted favors. Victims who had been swindled by the couple were encouraged to approach the Police Station Sadder for prompt redressal of their grievances.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to ascertain the extent of the couple’s wrongdoing and gather additional evidence.
