Did Police in Bihar Really Bust an Inter-state Cyber Fraud Gang?
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Synopsis
A recent police operation in Bihar led to the dismantling of an inter-state cyber fraud gang that stole mobile phones and siphoned money from UPI accounts. With 84 phones seized and several arrests made, the investigation continues to uncover a broader network of fraud.
Key Takeaways
- Police dismantled an inter-state cyber fraud gang.
- 84 stolen mobile phones were recovered.
- Gang members targeted crowded markets and events.
- Investigation is ongoing to trace the original phone owners.
- Authorities are working to uncover a broader fraud network.
Patna, Sep 17 (NationPress) In a significant operation, police in Bihar’s Purnea district dismantled an inter-state cyber fraud ring that was engaged in the theft of mobile phones, illegally withdrawing funds from victims’ UPI accounts, and subsequently selling these devices.
The operation unfolded when a police team from the Sahayak Khajanchi police station observed seven young men acting suspiciously at a local bus terminal. Their nervous demeanor prompted a search that led to the discovery of 84 stolen mobile phones, four Aadhaar cards, and eight SIM cards.
During a press briefing, SP Sweety Sehrawat disclosed that the gang was implicated in the theft of 23 phones during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally on September 15.
“The gang's modus operandi involved targeting crowded markets and political events. After stealing the phones, they would enlist technical experts to unlock them, retrieve OTPs, and transfer funds from UPI accounts to fraudulent accounts before reselling the devices,” explained SP Sehrawat.
An FIR has been filed at the Sahayak Khajanchi police station against all seven suspects.
This criminal group operated across the regions of Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Two of the arrested individuals were technical experts responsible for bypassing phone security. Among the seven apprehended, six hail from West Bengal, while one is from Jharkhand.
The suspects had been residing in various hotels in Belauri for the past three to four months.
The identified suspects include Munna Kumar, Rajesh Kumar Mahto, Pappu Mahto (also known as Pappu Nonia), Kapoor Mahto, Ganesh Kumar Mahto, Kartik Nonia, and one minor.
Among these, Ganesh Kumar Mahto is a resident of Sahebganj district in Jharkhand, while the remaining six are from West Bengal.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody, and efforts are being made to locate the legitimate owners of the recovered mobile phones. The authorities are also probing the financial fraud linked to the fake accounts used for the UPI thefts.
SP Sehrawat assured that further measures will be taken to dismantle the extensive network associated with this cyber fraud operation.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the resilience of law enforcement in combating cyber crime. This operation not only reflects their commitment to public safety but also underscores the need for heightened vigilance among citizens, especially in crowded areas. We stand with the authorities in their ongoing efforts to thwart such illicit activities.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the operation about?
The operation involved the busting of an inter-state cyber fraud gang that stole mobile phones and siphoned money from victims' UPI accounts.
How many mobile phones were recovered?
A total of 84 stolen mobile phones were recovered during the police operation.
Where did the arrests take place?
The arrests took place in Purnea district, Bihar.
What was the gang's method of operation?
The gang targeted crowded places, stole phones, unlocked them, accessed OTPs, and transferred money to fake accounts.
What is being done to trace the owners of the stolen phones?
Efforts are underway to identify and trace the rightful owners of the recovered mobile phones.
