Jharkhand News: Jamtara Police Arrest Cybercriminals Impersonating Gas Company Officials

Jamtara Police’s Ongoing Crackdown on Cybercrime

Jamtara, December 11, 2024: In a significant breakthrough, Jamtara Police have intensified efforts to eliminate cybercrime in the district. Acting on a tip-off received by Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Ehtesham Waquarib, a team led by Inspector Jayant Tirkey, Sub-Inspector Bihari Marandi and Assistant Sub-Inspector Prashant Kumar conducted a raid in Mirga village under the Narayanpur police station jurisdiction. The operation led to the arrest of four cybercriminals, one of whom is a minor.

Key Arrests and Seized Evidence

The arrested individuals include Ravi Kumar Mandal, Vikas Kumar Mandal and Sikandar Mandal. During the operation, authorities recovered critical evidence, including eight mobile phones, nine SIM cards and eight motorcycles. A case has been registered against the accused under Jamtara Cybercrime Police Station Case No. 74/24 and the three adult offenders have been sent to judicial custody, while the minor has been detained as per legal provisions.

Modus Operandi: Exploiting Trust and Technology

According to SP Waquarib, the gang operated by impersonating gas company officials. They would call unsuspecting victims, warning them of unpaid gas connection bills or gas disconnection threats. To lure their targets further, they offered fake promises of gas subsidies. Victims were tricked into downloading screen-sharing applications like Quick Support or AnyDesk, allowing the fraudsters to gain unauthorized access to sensitive personal information.

These cybercriminals primarily targeted individuals in West Bengal, Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Their sophisticated strategies highlight the evolving nature of cybercrime in India.

Coordinated Police Action and Legal Proceedings

The arrested individuals were subjected to medical examinations and presented before the Jamtara court, where they were remanded to judicial custody. The police operation was conducted with precision, involving the active participation of IPS trainee Raghvendra Singh, DSP Chandrashekhar and Inspector Jayant Tirkey. Their collaborative efforts underscore the district administration’s commitment to tackling cybercrime head-on.

Implications and Need for Vigilance

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive risks associated with cyber fraud. Cybercriminals increasingly leverage social engineering tactics to deceive individuals, making it essential for citizens to exercise caution while interacting with unknown callers or sharing personal information online. Authorities urge the public to report suspicious activities promptly and remain vigilant against cyber scams.

Preventive Measures Highlighted

The police emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness, urging people to avoid downloading applications from unknown sources and refraining from sharing sensitive information over the phone. This crackdown in Jamtara marks another step towards creating a cybercrime-free district and fostering safer digital interactions.