Police in Jharkhand have successfully apprehended two members of a cyber criminal gang that was systematically cheating people by threatening to disconnect their domestic LPG gas connections. The arrests were made from Vishanpur village in the Giridih district on Saturday, marking a significant breakthrough in tackling this specific digital fraud.
How the LPG Disconnection Scam Operated
The arrested individuals were part of a larger gang that targeted unsuspecting victims with a well-rehearsed scheme. The fraudsters sent fraudulent text messages or communication containing fake links, posing as officials from the Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL). The messages threatened an immediate disconnection of the recipient's cooking gas supply unless urgent action was taken.
When worried individuals clicked on the provided links, they were led to deceptive websites or payment gateways designed to steal their money and personal information. The gang exploited the essential nature of LPG services to create panic and force quick compliance from their targets.
Police Raid and Arrest Details
Acting on a specific tip-off, a team from the cyber police station led by Officer-in-Charge Rameshwar Bhagat conducted a raid in the Vishanpur village area, which falls under the Bengabad police station limits. The police team's swift action led to the capture of two accused at the scene.
The arrested men have been identified as Anand Kumar Mandal and Deepak Kumar Mandal. During subsequent interrogation, they confessed to their involvement in the scam, admitting to sending the fake links in MNGL's name and extorting money by threatening gas supply cuts. However, a third accomplice managed to evade capture during the operation.
Recovered Items and Ongoing Manhunt
From the possession of the arrested duo, police seized crucial evidence including three mobile phones, several SIM cards, and motorcycles used in their criminal activities. A formal case has been registered at the Giridih Cyber Police Station to investigate the full extent of their operations.
The police have identified the absconding accused as Prince Kumar Mandal. Authorities have confirmed that continuous raids and investigations are underway to track him down and apprehend other potential members of the gang who are still at large. The public has been advised to remain vigilant against such threats and to verify any such communication directly with their gas service providers.
