Giridih Police Crack Down on Cyber Fraud, Arrest 3 in Online Scam Operation
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Giridih police on Tuesday arrested three alleged fraudsters and seized multiple mobile phones used in sophisticated online scams. The operation marks a crucial step in combating digital financial fraud in the region.
Details of the Arrested Accused
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ashish Mandal, Ranjit Mandal, and Rameshwar Mandal alias Ramesh Mandal, all residents of Giridih district. Police investigations reveal a pattern of organized cyber fraud activities conducted by this group.
Police Operation and Seizure
Giridih Superintendent of Police Bimal Kumar provided detailed information about the operation. "Acting on specific intelligence received through the Pratibimb portal, a specialized team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (Cyber) Abid Khan conducted a targeted raid at Badkitand–Jabardaha road under Taratand police station jurisdiction," stated SP Kumar.
The police successfully apprehended all three accused during this operation. From their possession, authorities confiscated:
- Four mobile phones
- Five SIM cards
These devices were allegedly being used as primary tools for executing various online fraud schemes targeting unsuspecting citizens.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters
Preliminary investigations have uncovered the sophisticated methods employed by the accused. "The fraudsters allegedly sent fake APK files disguised as legitimate banking applications. They would then pose as bank officials to establish credibility and manipulate victims into providing sensitive financial information," explained SP Bimal Kumar.
The investigation has already traced three separate online complaints directly to a mobile number used by accused Ranjit Mandal, establishing clear evidence of his involvement in multiple fraud cases.
Criminal History and Previous Records
One of the arrested individuals, Rameshwar Mandal, has a significant criminal history in cyber fraud. Police records indicate he was previously jailed in connection with a cyber fraud case registered at the Jamtara Cyber Police Station.
More alarmingly, authorities revealed that Ramesh is currently wanted in 26 separate cyber fraud cases, highlighting his extensive involvement in organized digital crime networks operating across the region.
Related Cybercrime Arrest in Deoghar District
In a parallel development demonstrating increased police vigilance against cybercrime, Deoghar district police arrested two additional cybercriminals on Monday. The arrests occurred in the Bhura forest area within Patharadda outpost limits.
Deoghar Deputy Superintendent of Police (Cyber) Raja Mitra explained the operation: "We received credible intelligence about individuals luring people through deceptive phone calls while pretending to be bank officials and customer care executives. Our team acted swiftly on this tip-off."
From these two arrested individuals, police recovered:
- Two mobile phones
- Three SIM cards
These arrests in Deoghar district appear to follow a similar pattern of cyber fraud, suggesting possible connections to broader organized crime networks specializing in financial scams through digital means.
Police Strategy and Public Awareness
The coordinated efforts between Giridih and Deoghar police departments demonstrate an enhanced focus on combating cybercrime in Jharkhand. Authorities are employing specialized cyber cells and intelligence-sharing platforms like the Pratibimb portal to track and apprehend digital fraudsters.
Police officials have urged citizens to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited communications claiming to be from banks or financial institutions. They emphasize that legitimate banks never ask for sensitive information through APK files or unexpected phone calls.
The successful operations in both districts represent significant progress in the fight against cyber fraud, with police promising continued vigilance and more arrests in the coming days as investigations expand to uncover broader networks of digital criminals.
