Two Haryana women arrested in Kulgam ATM fraud case
In a significant development, J&K Police in Kulgam have recovered ₹9.5 lakh in an alleged ATM fraud case registered under FIR No. 254/2026 under Sections 303(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Qazigund. Two women have been arrested for their alleged role in receiving the proceeds of the crime, while the two main accused remain absconding, Police said on Tuesday.
On October 15, 2026, Muneera Reshi, W/o Gulzar Ahmad Shaan, R/o Pati Akhran, Kulgam, approached Police Post Mir Bazar with a complaint alleging that her ATM card had been fraudulently exchanged by an unknown person at an ATM in Mir Bazar on October 5, 2026. Subsequently, unauthorised transactions amounting to ₹9.5 lakh were carried out from her bank account. During the course of investigation, the main accused were identified as Vinender Singh @ Sheenu, S/o Roshan Lal, R/o Kesan Colony, Ward No. 12, Barwala, Hisar, Haryana, and Mukesh Singh, S/o Rajuram, R/o Hansi, District Hisar, Haryana. Their identities and residential particulars were established through CCTV footage, technical analysis and other investigative leads, Police said.
A police team from Police Post Mir Bazar proceeded to Haryana to trace the accused and verify their residential addresses. However, both main accused were found absconding from their respective residences, which were found locked. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend them. During the investigation, the entire defrauded amount of ₹9.5 lakh was recovered from the following two women Viz; 1. Shanti Devi, W/o Nathu Ram, R/o Data Gurana, District Hisar, Haryana, who is the maternal uncle’s wife of accused Vinender Singh @ Sheenu and Rajpati Devi, W/o Raj Kumar, R/o Sorkhi, District Hisar, Haryana, who is the maternal aunt of accused Mukesh Singh.
Both women have been arrested in connection with the case for their alleged role in receiving the proceeds of the crime. Further investigation is underway to establish the complete sequence of events and ascertain the role of all persons involved, Police said.
Police appeal to the general public to share any credible information regarding the whereabouts of the absconding accused, Vinender Singh @ Sheenu and Mukesh Singh, with the nearest police station, Police Post Mir Bazar, Police Station Qazigund, or PCR at +91 7051510660. Information provided will be handled with due confidentiality, subject to applicable law.
SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali Choudhary, has advised the public to remain vigilant while conducting ATM transactions. Citizens are urged never to hand over their ATM cards or disclose their PINs, OTPs or banking credentials to unknown persons. They should avoid accepting assistance from strangers at ATMs and immediately report any suspicious activity or unauthorised transactions to their bank and the police.
Police reiterate their commitment to safeguarding public interests and urge citizens to remain alert and cooperate with the police in preventing financial fraud and other criminal activities. Further investigation and requisite legal formalities are underway.