A local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and sarpanch of Gopalpora has been arrested for allegedly taking money from two people in exchange for getting them released from police custody.
The BJP leader, Nisar Ahmad Khan, is a resident of Kadipora in Anantnag district.
Police said two suspects from Kokernag were called for questioning regarding a terror case.
While they were being questioned to establish their involvement or otherwise, their families approached Nisar Ahamd Khan to secure their release.
In the meanwhile, the two individuals were found to be innocent and were released.
The police subsequently got to know that their families had paid money to Nisar Ahmad Khan to secure their release.
The accused BJP leader had allegedly taken Rs 1.10 lakh and promised their release.
He then approached the police and sought an appointment with a police officer for this. He was however not allowed to meet the officer and instead conveyed on phone that the duo will be sent home if not they found to be innocent.
Police have now registered an FIR against the BJP leader in Anantnag police station. The money paid to him has been recovered and handed over to the families.
Police said the accused has been arrested and further investigation is on.
They also urged people to refrain from paying money to “touts and unscrupulous elements”, and instead meet senior police officers in their respective areas if they face any problems.
