Scammers Defraud Man of Life Savings on False Marriage Promises and Plot Sale

Iftikhar Masih, a poor minority member, alleges fraud by locals who scammed him over fake marriage arrangements, costing him life savings and family stability.

Details of the Incident

In a plea at the Gakhar Mandi police station, Iftikhar Masih, a poor and innocent member of a minority community, shared his ordeal with tears in his eyes. He reported that Khalid Mahmood, a resident of Gulan Chak, along with his brother, nephew Imran, Aun Khalid, and Chand Qureshi, had befriended him with the promise of arranging marriages for his sons. Khalid showed him pictures of his nieces and proposed a marriage arrangement for his sons. He also claimed that the girls had a plot of land in Gakhar Mandi, partially paid for, and told Iftikhar that if he paid the remaining amount of approximately 1,200,000 rupees, the plot would be transferred to his name.

The Fraud Unveiled

Since Iftikhar was keen on arranging marriages for his sons, he borrowed money from his employer, Chaudhry Ikram, and other neighbors. He also sold four of his buffaloes, ultimately handing over a total of 1,165,000 rupees to Khalid and his associates. Later, he discovered that the plot shown to him was fraudulent, and the accused had no connection to it. This group, it turns out, had previously committed similar scams in Hafizabad, Tatlay Aali, Noshera Virkan, and Wazirabad.

Lack of Police Action

When Iftikhar approached the police with a request for action, he faced obstacles. Zahid Abbas Qureshi, a relative of the accused, holds a position within the Gakhar Mandi police station and has allegedly provided protection to the accused, resulting in Iftikhar’s request being dismissed. Instead of receiving justice, he was sent back without any progress on his complaint.

Impact on the Family and Community Support

The incident has devastated Iftikhar’s family, costing them their entire life savings. Tragically, upon hearing about the fraud, Iftikhar’s mother suffered a fatal heart attack, plunging the family into further turmoil. Community members have now rallied behind him, submitting a plea to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Inspector General of Punjab Police, the DIG Gujranwala Region, District Police Officer Rana Ayaz Saleem, SP Investigation Gujranwala, and DSP Wazirabad Hashim Gujar.

A Plea for Justice

In a tearful appeal to SHO Gakhar Mandi Farukh Nawaz Chatha, Iftikhar pleaded for justice, stating that as poor members of a minority community, they have suffered severe injustice and exploitation. They have lost both their savings and a beloved family member. The community seeks legal action against the accused and those protecting them, demanding the recovery of their money and the provision of justice.

Share this news to inform others about such happening!