Bokaro Police Launch Major Cybercrime Crackdown Using Pratibimb App
In a significant move to combat cybercrime, the Inspector General (IG) of Police for the North Chotanagpur range in Bokaro, Sunil Bhaskar, has directed all police units across the district to verify suspected mobile numbers identified through the 'Pratibimb App' and take strict legal action. This initiative marks a robust effort to tackle digital fraud and enhance cybersecurity in the region.
Massive Arrests and Seizures in Operation
Acting on IG Bhaskar's directive, police forces have registered 15 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 57 cybercriminals between October 1, 2025, and February 16, 2026. The operation spanned seven districts under the North Chotanagpur range, resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of digital devices, banking instruments, and vehicles.
Key items recovered during the crackdown include:
- 132 mobile phones
- 168 SIM cards
- 31 ATM cards
- Three four-wheelers and seven two-wheelers
- Three Aadhaar cards, eight PAN cards, one labour card, one voter ID card, and one driving licence
- Seven bank passbooks and three cheque books
- 23 registers/notebooks
- Rs 4.67 lakh in cash
- WhatsApp chat records used as digital evidence
District-Wide Verification and Actions
A consolidated report from January 19 to February 16, 2026, revealed that 2,064 suspected mobile numbers linked to cybercrime were verified across the range. Detailed district-wise actions are as follows:
- Giridih: 788 suspected numbers examined, leading to eight FIRs and 28 arrests. Seizures included 55 mobile phones, 78 SIM cards, seven ATM cards, one Scorpio SUV, six motorcycles, and Rs 4.43 lakh in cash.
- Ramgarh: Verification of 50 suspected numbers resulted in one FIR and one arrest.
- Chatra: Action against 27 suspected numbers led to one case registration, with seizures of seven mobile phones, 18 SIM cards, three ATM cards, six passbooks, three cheque books, and WhatsApp chat screenshots.
- Koderma: 43 suspected numbers verified, resulting in two FIRs and two arrests.
- Hazaribag: Verification of 296 suspected numbers led to three FIRs and 20 arrests. Seizures included 51 mobile phones, 54 SIM cards, 23 registers, a Maruti Brezza car, a KIA Sonet car, 20 debit/credit cards, and five PAN cards.
- Dhanbad: 720 suspected numbers identified, with one FIR registered and six arrests.
- Bokaro: 140 suspected numbers verified, leading to one FIR. Police seized 13 mobile phones, 12 SIM cards, one ATM card, one passbook, and Rs 24,000 in cash.
Continued Efforts and Public Appeal
IG Bhaskar emphasized that the intensified verification drive under the 'Pratibimb App' will continue to curb cybercrime effectively. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious calls, online fraud attempts, or dubious financial transactions to the nearest police station or the cyber helpline. This proactive approach aims to foster a safer digital environment and protect residents from evolving cyber threats.
