Gang of extortionists busted

Three persons, posing as militants, were arrested as police today claimed to have busted a gang of extortionists in Kulgam district of south Kashmir.
Javid Ahmad Lone, Showket Ahmad Lone and Zubair Ahmad Lone - all residents of Shedcheck village of Shopian - were arrested for being part of a gang which was extorting money from the people including panchs and sarpanches of the Yaripora and Behibagh areas of Kulgam district, a police spokesman said.
He said a letter pad of Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit and a toy gun were recovered from the possession of the arrested persons.
The arrested persons are being questioned and efforts are on to nab their other associates, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, police arrested a drug peddler here and recovered 20 bottles of codeine phosphate from him.
Abid Matoo was selling the drug among youth in Batmaloo area of central Srinagar when he was arrested by a police team, he said, adding, he was booked under NDPS Act.