Bihar DGP warns of crackdown on SIM misuse as cybercrime FIRs cross 7,000
Synopsis
Bihar's cybercrime tally has crossed 7,000 FIRs, and the state's top cop is drawing a direct line between SIM card misuse and international fraud networks. The Supaul case — a 21-year-old allegedly running a SIM-box operation with links to China, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam — shows how local identity-document fraud feeds global cybercrime pipelines. The CBI and Intelligence Bureau are now reportedly in the picture.
Key Takeaways
Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar warned on 14 August of strict action against those holding more than nine SIM cards on a single identity document.
More than 7,000 cybercrime FIRs have been registered in Bihar, according to the DGP.
FIRs registered against around 100 people allegedly involved in creating fake Aadhaar cards.
The EOU seized eight SIM-box devices and over 1,300 SIM cards from a 21-year-old 's residence in Supaul district .
The accused, Harshit Kumar Mishra , allegedly had links with individuals in China, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam .
The CBI and Intelligence Bureau have reportedly joined the investigation due to its international dimensions.
Bihar Director General of Police Vinay Kumar on 14 August issued a stern warning against SIM card misuse and fake Aadhaar card rackets, stating that strict legal action will follow against those who obtain more than the permitted number of SIM connections on a single identity document. The warning came as cybercrime cases in Bihar crossed 7,000 FIRs, underlining the scale of the challenge facing law-enforcement in the state.
Key Developments
Addressing a press conference in Patna, DGP Vinay Kumar said authorities had identified cases where dozens of SIM cards were allegedly issued against a single identity document, far exceeding the prescribed ceiling of nine SIM connections per individual. He confirmed that individuals found to have crossed this threshold will be identified and proceeded against. Separately, FIRs have been registered against around 100 people allegedly involved in manufacturing fake Aadhaar cards.
The Supaul Cybercrime Case
DGP Kumar cited the case of Harshit Kumar Mishra, a 21-year-old from Gauspur village in Supaul district, as a window into the increasingly sophisticated nature of cybercrime networks operating within Bihar. According to police, Mishra allegedly ran an international cyber-fraud operation using SIM-box equipment installed at his three-storey residence, which reportedly enabled large volumes of calls and messages to be routed to domestic and international destinations.
Investigators allege that Mishra travelled to Thailand and Vietnam to procure equipment and training, and built links with individuals in China and Nepal. The alleged operation is said to have generated substantial financial gains, with police examining investments and assets — including properties, cryptocurrency, and overseas investments — both in India and abroad.
What the Raid Recovered
The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar Police, in coordination with the Department of Telecommunications, conducted an extended search at Mishra's Supaul premises. Officials recovered eight SIM-box devices, more than 1,300 SIM cards, biometric devices, cash-counting machines, and other materials allegedly linked to the operation. The case has since drawn the attention of central agencies, with the CBI and Intelligence Bureau reportedly becoming involved owing to its alleged international dimensions.
Call for Public Vigilance
DGP Vinay Kumar stressed that police action alone is insufficient to dismantle cybercrime networks. Referring to Mishra's alleged rapid accumulation of wealth, he questioned how family members and neighbours could remain unaware of such activity, and underscored that timely public reporting of suspicious behaviour is critical to preventing these networks from expanding. This latest crackdown reflects a broader Bihar Police push against SIM misuse, fraudulent identity documents, illegal telecom infrastructure, and international cyber-fraud operations.
Point of View
All while neighbours reportedly noticed nothing. That points to a systemic gap: SIM card distribution norms exist on paper but enforcement has been porous enough for 'dozens' of cards to be issued against a single ID. The DGP's call for public vigilance is reasonable, but the harder accountability question is directed at telecom distributors and verification agents who allowed the nine-SIM ceiling to be breached at scale. Until that end of the chain is tightened, police raids will keep arriving after the damage is done.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar warned against SIM card misuse?
Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar issued the warning because cybercrime cases in Bihar have crossed 7,000 FIRs, with authorities identifying instances where dozens of SIM cards were allegedly issued against a single identity document — far beyond the permitted limit of nine per individual. He stated that those found to have exceeded this limit will face legal action.
What is the SIM card limit per person in India?
The prescribed ceiling is nine SIM connections per individual. Bihar Police have found cases where this limit was allegedly breached significantly, with dozens of SIM cards reportedly linked to a single identity document.
Who is Harshit Kumar Mishra and what did police allege against him?
Harshit Kumar Mishra is a 21-year-old from Gauspur village in Supaul district, Bihar, who allegedly operated an international cyber-fraud network using SIM-box equipment from his three-storey residence. Police allege he travelled to Thailand and Vietnam for equipment and training, and had links with individuals in China and Nepal. The EOU recovered eight SIM-box devices and over 1,300 SIM cards from his premises.
Which agencies are investigating the Supaul cybercrime case?
The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police conducted the primary raid in coordination with the Department of Telecommunications. The CBI and Intelligence Bureau have reportedly also become involved in the investigation due to the alleged international connections of the operation.
What action is Bihar Police taking against fake Aadhaar card makers?
Bihar Police have registered FIRs against around 100 people allegedly involved in creating fake Aadhaar cards, as part of a broader crackdown on fraudulent identity documents that enable SIM card misuse and cybercrime networks.
