SRINAGAR; An alleged extortionist who was found to be carrying a fake pistol during a routine check was arrested here, police said Tuesday.

Muhammad Saleem, son of Ghulam Muhammad, a resident of Safa Kadal in the city was arrested during checking in Saddar Court complex when he was found to be carrying a pistol.

“The pistol later turned out to be a toy pistol. He is a known extortionist who used to threaten people with his fake weapon,” a senior police officer told.