In a significant breakthrough, the Nagpur crime branch's specialized anti-gold chain theft squad, working in close coordination with the cyber cell unit, has successfully apprehended a key suspect involved in a sophisticated ATM card fraud case. The arrest was made in connection with a complaint registered at the Beltarodi police station, highlighting the growing collaboration between traditional crime-fighting units and digital forensics teams to combat financial crimes.
Details of the Arrest and the Accused
The arrested individual has been identified as Sajjad Khan, aged 22, who originally hails from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh but was currently residing in the Wadala area of Mumbai. His arrest underscores the interstate nature of such fraudulent activities, where perpetrators often operate across regional boundaries to evade law enforcement. The case came to light following a formal complaint lodged by Durga Prasad Gautam, a 38-year-old construction contractor based in Jaripatka, Nagpur.
The Modus Operandi of the Fraud
According to police reports, the fraud occurred on December 19 of the previous year, resulting in a substantial financial loss of ₹1.24 lakh from Gautam's rationalised bank account. The incident unfolded at the Chinchbhavan ATM located on Wardha Road, where the complainant's debit card became inexplicably stuck in the machine. In a well-orchestrated scheme, an accomplice of the gang approached Gautam, pretending to offer assistance.
This individual cleverly tricked Gautam into revealing his Personal Identification Number (PIN) under the guise of helping to retrieve the card. Subsequently, the accomplice directed Gautam to visit the bank branch at Khapri to report the issue, creating a diversion that allowed the gang to swiftly withdraw the cash from the compromised account. This method highlights a common tactic used by fraudsters, combining physical interference with ATM machines and social engineering to exploit victims.
Confession and Recovery of Evidence
During interrogation, Sajjad Khan confessed to his involvement in the crime, revealing that he acted in collusion with several accomplices. The police have named Zishan Khan, Adil Khan, Gubaran Khan, and Muktdir Khan as his partners in the fraud, all of whom are reported to be residents of Mumbai. This confession points to a coordinated network operating out of the metropolitan area, targeting individuals in other cities like Nagpur.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement officials managed to recover crucial evidence from the accused. This included ₹4,000 in cash, a mobile phone believed to have been used in the commission of the crime, and a car that may have facilitated the gang's movements. The seized items, along with the arrested accused, have been formally handed over to the Beltarodi police for further legal proceedings and a deeper probe into the broader network.
Broader Implications and Police Efforts
This arrest is part of ongoing efforts by the Nagpur police to crack down on rising incidents of ATM and cyber frauds in the region. By leveraging the expertise of both the anti-gold chain theft squad and the cyber cell, authorities aim to address the multifaceted nature of such crimes, which often blend traditional theft techniques with digital deception. The case serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant at ATMs and avoid sharing sensitive information like PINs with strangers, even in seemingly helpful situations.
Police officials have emphasized that such collaborative operations are crucial in tracking down perpetrators who exploit technological vulnerabilities and human trust. The recovery of assets like the car and mobile phone may provide further leads to dismantle the entire gang and prevent future scams. As investigations continue, the Beltarodi police are expected to pursue charges against all involved individuals, seeking justice for the victim and deterring similar criminal activities in the future.
