“Fake Leaders Looting Unemployed Youth in J&K: Political Influence Turns into a Tool for Fraud”

 

By ANN News Desk |Tariq Bhat 

Srinagar, October 7, 2025

 

 

In Jammu and Kashmir, a disturbing trend of political deceit and exploitation is emerging, where self-proclaimed “influential leaders” are allegedly looting innocent and unemployed youth by promising them jobs in exchange for money. Under the guise of political connections, many of these so-called leaders have turned social media into a stage for deception — posting pictures with top politicians and officials to appear powerful and well-connected.

 

 

 

However, behind these pictures lies a dark reality — a growing network of fraud, false promises, and betrayal. Over the past few years, multiple complaints have surfaced where victims claimed they were duped by local political figures who assured them of government jobs or favors in return for hefty payments.

 

 

 

Several residents have alleged that individuals who travel outside the Union Territory to attend political events or meet leaders often misuse these photographs to manipulate public perception. Once back home, they showcase these images as “proof” of their influence, convincing job seekers that they have access to high-level appointments.

 

 

 

 

In one such case, Tariq Bhat from Achabal alleged that a female political leader from Anantnag had borrowed money from him but failed to repay it. When contacted, the said leader denied all allegations, calling them “an attempt to defame” her.

 

 

 

Similarly, Janata Dal leader G.M. Shaheen has come under public scrutiny after social activist Sandeep Mava released a video accusing him of cheating innocent people by taking money with fake promises of employment. Mava alleged that Shaheen uses his security and political identity to manipulate unemployed youth, claiming he can “arrange jobs” for a price.

 

The Union Territory has witnessed a string of job-related frauds and corruption scandals in recent years: Police Recruitment Scam (2022):
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a chargesheet against 24 accused, including officials from the J&K Police and CRPF, for allegedly leaking the Sub-Inspector recruitment exam paper. Reports revealed that candidates paid between ₹20–30 lakh to obtain the leaked question papers. The exam was eventually canceled due to large-scale irregularities.
Multi-Crore Job Scams (July 2025):
The Crime Branch of J&K Police filed multiple FIRs after uncovering a scam worth ₹1.5 crore, in which job seekers were tricked with fake appointment letters and forged employment orders.
Disproportionate Assets Case:

 

 

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) booked a dismissed Selection Grade Constable for amassing illegal assets, including multiple properties across Jammu and Kashmir, far exceeding his known income. ₹2.39-Crore Job Scam (July 2025):
In a landmark case, the J&K Police attached property belonging to the accused and refunded ₹75 lakh to 17 victims. The Crime Branch also filed a charge-sheet against a female fraudster from Samba and two of her accomplices who duped innocent victims of nearly ₹50 lakh through fake job promises.

 

Authorities have urged citizens not to fall prey to fake leaders or self-proclaimed “influencers” who claim to have political access.

 

 

 

If you or someone you know has been asked for money in exchange for a job, you can file a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Jammu and Kashmir, which has the exclusive authority to investigate such offenses.

 

 

 

 

Citizens across Jammu and Kashmir are demanding that the government immediately withdraw security cover from individuals involved in scams or those facing corruption allegations. Many argue that offering protection to such figures undermines public trust and enables them to continue exploiting the unemployed youth of the region.

 

The growing menace of political fraud in Jammu and Kashmir not only exposes deep-rooted corruption but also highlights how unemployment is being weaponized by opportunists for personal gain. With ongoing investigations by the CBI, ACB, and Crime Branch, it is high time for authorities to ensure that justice is delivered and that fake leaders face the law for betraying public faith.

 

 

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