Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday claimed to have busted an extortionist gang by arresting fiver person who were posing as militants in South Kashmir Kulgam district.

In a statement, a spokesperson said Kulgam Police received multiple complaints from the residents of Katrasoo, Matibugh and Tarigam that some persons entered their houses posing as militants.

The statement reads they threatened them with weapons, asked for money and other valuable items and fled away from the spot.

It reads a case with FIR No 92/2022 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Yaripora.

“During the course of investigation, a special team led by SHO Yaripora was constituted. Searches were conducted and multiple nakas were established to arrest the accused,” it reads.

It added today after generating a specific information regarding the module, a special naka at was established at Yaripora and five accused namely Nazir Mushtaq Malik of Shopian, Khalid Hussain Deedad, Rizwan Ahmad Deedad, Karman Ahmad Deedad and Abrar Ahmad Teadwa—all residents of Pulwama were arrested.

It further reads two toy guns, a toy pistol, two Cutters, 05 mobile phones and 05 masks were recovered from their possession.

“Vehicle used in commission of crime has been seized and further investigation into the matter is in progress,” it reads.