UP STF Cracks Down on Cyber Fraud Gang Targeting Police Recruitment Exam
In a decisive move to safeguard the integrity of the Uttar Pradesh Police Sub-Inspector recruitment examination, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has apprehended three members of a Rajasthan-based cyber fraud gang. The arrests, made on Saturday evening from Sawai Madhopur district, come after the gang allegedly attempted to cheat aspirants by promising access to a purported leaked question paper through social media platforms.
Details of the Arrest and Operation
The accused, identified as Sumit Meena alias Loda, Shahil, and Sajid—all residents of Sawai Madhopur and in their mid-20s—were taken into custody following intelligence developed by the STF during surveillance of online activities related to the UP Police Sub-Inspector and equivalent posts recruitment examination-2025. This high-stakes exam is scheduled for the night of March 14–15. During the operation, authorities recovered a Vivo mobile phone from Shahil.
According to STF officials, the trio are suspected cyber fraudsters with a history of duping hundreds of people across India through various online scams. They are believed to have funded a lavish lifestyle with the proceeds from their illegal activities. Investigators noted that the main accused, Sumit Meena, has allegedly amassed significant wealth through cyber fraud, including ownership of five SUVs suspected to be purchased with scam earnings.
Modus Operandi and Social Media Exploitation
The gang reportedly created multiple Telegram channels, such as “UP SI UP Police 2026,” “Result Panel Pvt TM,” and “UP SI Exam Paper UP SI-2026,” to target candidates preparing for the SI recruitment exam. These channels circulated messages claiming that the question paper had been leaked and could be obtained for a fee. STF officials believe the gang aimed to exploit the anxiety of aspirants and collect money by falsely promising access to the exam paper.
The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board had directed STF units to maintain strict surveillance on social media to ensure exam integrity. During monitoring, investigators detected these suspicious Telegram channels, leading to the crackdown.
Legal Actions and Interrogation Findings
A case was registered on March 13 in Lucknow and at the Cyber Police Station in Sawai Madhopur under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The STF team, led by Inspector Yatindra Sharma and assisted by local police, arrested the three accused.
During interrogation, Shahil disclosed that around 15–20 days ago, Sajid paid him ₹5,000 to arrange SIM cards and bank account kits. Shahil allegedly opened accounts in Punjab Bank and Union Bank and purchased a SIM card, which he handed over to Sajid. Sajid revealed he received ₹13,500 from Sumit Meena for these arrangements. Sumit Meena claimed he was approached by a villager who promised him ₹15,000 in exchange for providing a SIM card and bank account kit.
Investigators suspect that Sumit Singh used these accounts and SIM cards to operate Telegram groups like Result Panel, luring candidates into paying money for the alleged leaked exam paper.
Ongoing Investigation and Advisory
The accused have been booked at the Cyber Police Station in Sawai Madhopur, and further investigation is underway to trace other network members and identify fraud victims. Officials reiterated that strict monitoring of social media platforms continues to prevent misinformation and ensure the UP Police recruitment examination is conducted fairly and transparently.
Candidates have been strongly advised not to believe or respond to online claims about leaked exam papers, emphasizing the importance of relying on official channels for information.
