J&K Police Crackdown on Fake Politicians Exploiting Public Trust
Sushmita Tiwari
Srinagar, October 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified their efforts to curb a network of individuals posing as close associates of prominent politicians and bureaucrats.
These individuals, masquerading as influential figures, have been exploiting the public’s trust by promising jobs, government projects, and other benefits in exchange for money. Among those arrested are Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a District Development Council (DDC) Vice President from Nowgam affiliated with Apni Party, and Mirza Sajad from HMT Srinagar former Janata Dal United (JDU).Leader
Bilal Ahmad Bhat was arrested alongside seven others during a gambling operation, adding to a list of charges against him that have raised concerns within his party and the public. Mirza Sajad, on the other hand, was detained for alleged involvement in multiple cases of corruption, where he reportedly duped people with false promises of government jobs and lucrative contracts. Both cases have highlighted a growing issue of individuals using their connections or affiliations with political parties as a façade to defraud unsuspecting citizens.
In their deception schemes, these individuals have actively used social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to project a false image of influence and proximity to high-ranking officials. By posting images with politicians and sharing updates that give an impression of close ties with decision-makers, they built a façade of authority, luring innocent people into their schemes. The lack of stringent background checks within political parties has exacerbated the issue, making it easier for such opportunists to enter politics solely for personal gain.
This trend is not isolated to Bilal Ahmad Bhat and Mirza Sajad. Over the past few years, multiple arrests have been made, exposing individuals posing as political leaders or activists who have been preying on the public’s need for employment and financial security. For example, earlier this year, a group of so-called social activists was arrested for extorting money under the guise of securing government projects. Similarly, another individual from a small political outfit was detained after allegedly defrauding a group of unemployed youths by promising them positions in the government sector.
Recognizing this issue, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have regularly warned the public to remain vigilant and avoid paying money to anyone promising jobs, contracts, or special favors. Police officials continue to advise citizens to verify the authenticity of such individuals, particularly those claiming to wield political power, and have also urged political parties to implement stronger screening processes for new members.
These recent arrests serve as a reminder that, while political systems aim to serve the public, some individuals exploit these systems for personal gain. The Jammu and Kashmir Police’s proactive stance has been instrumental in identifying and apprehending these individuals, helping protect citizens from such scams. Moving forward, a more transparent and rigorous verification system within political parties could prevent such figures from gaining influence, protecting both the public and the integrity of political organizations.
According to police reports, these arrests come as part of a sustained effort by Jammu and Kashmir’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and other law enforcement agencies to curb the rising cases of political deception. Recent incidents have revealed that these so-called leaders leveraged their political influence to create fake government projects and promised non-existent government jobs. These tactics enabled them to exploit desperate job-seekers, often coercing them into paying large sums of money in return for job placements that never materialized.
One concerning trend highlighted in the CID’s investigation is the frequent involvement of “youth leaders” in blackmail schemes, especially targeting young women. Police reports suggest that some of these individuals misused government projects as a pretense to coerce, intimidate, and extort from young women, taking advantage of their vulnerability. This disturbing revelation has led to widespread public outrage and underscored the urgent need for increased public vigilance.
“The CID has done commendable work in identifying and acting against these individuals who misuse political influence for personal gain,” said a spokesperson from the Jammu and Kashmir Police. “Their actions are a betrayal of public trust, and our goal is to protect citizens from such predatory behavior.”
In recent years, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, with robust support from the CID, have intensified their focus on rooting out corrupt elements from politics. Their recent string of arrests represents a broader commitment to ensuring that political platforms remain spaces for genuine leadership and service. The crackdown also underscores the importance of community vigilance: officials urge citizens to carefully verify any promises made by individuals, especially those claiming to offer job opportunities, government schemes, or other official benefits.
As Jammu and Kashmir witnesses these decisive actions, the public’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Many people have expressed appreciation for the police’s timely interventions, particularly recognizing the CID’s efforts in protecting citizens from manipulative schemes. This crackdown serves as a powerful reminder that those who misuse political influence will be held accountable, reinforcing the state’s commitment to justice and transparency.
For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the arrests underscore the importance of discerning truth from deception and placing trust only in credible leaders and institutions. The actions taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and CID are not only a warning to those with ill intentions but also a reminder to the public to stay vigilant against those who seek to exploit them.
