Two Arrested in Srinagar for Running Fake Medical Donation Campaign on Facebook

In a disturbing case of online fraud, Srinagar Police on Saturday arrested two individuals for orchestrating a fake medical donation campaign on Facebook, using a woman's photograph and fabricated story without the knowledge or consent of her or her family.

The fraud was uncovered following a complaint by Muneer Ahmad Misger, a resident of Mughal Masjid, Nowhatta. Misger reported that a self-proclaimed journalist had posted a false narrative about his sister, soliciting public donations for a surgery that never existed.

According to police, the accused exploited social media platforms by posing as journalists to manipulate public emotions and collect money under false pretenses. “This was a clear attempt to deceive and misuse public trust,” the complaint stated.

An FIR (No. 21/2025) was registered at Police Station Nowhatta under Sections 318(2) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), prompting a full-scale investigation.

The main accused, Mohammad Lateef Lone from Tujan, Pulwama, was found to be the administrator of the Facebook page that posted the false appeal. His accomplice, Amir Yousuf Khan, originally from Bandipora and currently residing in Gulab Bagh, Zakoora, had provided the bank account used to receive donations.

Both suspects have been taken into custody.

Police officials emphasized the growing problem of self-styled "Facebook journalists" with no professional affiliation. “These individuals are not journalists; they are social media hawkers exploiting public sentiment for personal profit,” a police spokesperson said.

Authorities also warned the public against sharing or donating to unverified online campaigns and urged immediate reporting of suspicious fundraising activity.