Srinagar: J&K Police busted an alleged extortion racket and arrested five youths who were impersonating as militants in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Kulgam Police received multiple complaints from the residents of Katrasoo, Matibugh and Tarigam that some persons barged into their houses and asked for money and other valuable items at "gun-point". They later fled from the spot, police said.

Taking Cognizance of the matter, a case under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Yaripora.

During the course of investigation, a special team led by Station House Officer Yaripora was constituted and searches were conducted and multiple checkpoints were established to arrest the accused, police said.

“Today after generating specific information regarding the module , a special naka at Yaripora was established and five accused were arrested,” a police statement said.

They were identified as Nazir Mushtaq Malik of Pinjoora Shopian, Khalid Hussain Deedad, Rizwan Ahmad Deedad and Abrar Ahmad Teadwa- residents of Sangarwani Pulwama and Karman Ahmad Deedad of Draklarn Abhama Pulwama.

“From their possession two toy guns, a toy Pistol, two cutters, five mobile phones and five masks were recovered. The vehicle used in commissioning of crime has also been seized,” the statement said.

Police said further investigation into the matter is in progress.

(With UNI inputs)