J&K Police uncover 'Curative Survey' Scam, TN arrest reveals fictitious company's elaborate fraud

Jammu & Kashmir: In a ground-breaking revelation, Jammu & Kashmir Police have uncovered a sprawling multi-crore scam orchestrated by the notorious ‘Curative Survey Private Limited’.

The nefarious plot, which came to light on December 19 2023, has already resulted in the arrest of one individual in Tamil Nadu, while an intensive manhunt is underway for the remaining culprits.

The scam has sent shock waves throughout J&K, causing chaos, anguish and widespread protests as the fraudulent company vanished with investments from both Kashmir and the Jammu division.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) took charge, identifying six accused individuals, all from outside J&K. One culprit is currently in custody in Tamil Nadu, with the relentless pursuit intensifying to apprehend the others.

Operating under the deceptive banner of ‘Curative Survey Private Limited’, the bogus company exploited unsuspecting investors through an elaborate online ruse, promising extravagant returns on investments.

A case has been registered under Section 66D of the IT Act and Section 420 of the IPC at the Cyber Police Station in Kashmir Zone-Srinagar.

Investigations revealed that between January and February 2023, the fraudulent company established six offices in the Kashmir valley and one regional office in Jammu.

Cyber Police Station in Kashmir Zone, Srinagar, has received 27 complaints related to this case.

All seven offices have been searched, sealed and incriminating evidence confiscated. The financial loss incurred by victims is under assessment, with frozen accounts and an ongoing investigation.

Employees and local contacts associated with the main accused individuals, including social media influencers who promoted the company, are under scrutiny.

An official involved in the investigation revealed, “Swiftly raiding and sealing all these locations, we have successfully seized crucial evidence for thorough forensic scrutiny. In this digital age, scams evolve rapidly, but so does our expertise. Leveraging advanced forensic tools, we are meticulously dissecting the digital trail left by 'Curative Survey Private Limited' to ensure those responsible face consequences,”.

 He added, “The financial loss incurred by the victims is being assessed through the collection of relevant evidence and witness statements. All the company's account numbers have been frozen for debits, and the investigation is ongoing,”.

 The impact of the scam extended beyond individual investors, involving two social media influencers from Jammu division and Baramulla district in North Kashmir, who endorsed the dubious firm.

“Those influencers betrayed our trust. Their endorsements led us into this mess. I hope they too face the law and are booked for their role in this fraudulent scheme." said an investor here.

 “I invested with dreams of a better life for my family. I hope justice prevails, and we can recover at least a part of what we lost,” said Masarat Jan (name changed) a victim from downtown Srinagar.

Many victims, who saw their lifetime savings vanish, were lured with promises of doubling their money within a mere 15 days. Initial returns were deceptive, and scepticism grew as the company turned silent over time.

Meanwhile, Police are urging victims to step forward, assuring a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.