Guwahati Cyber Police Crack Down on Organized Fraud Racket
In a significant crackdown on cyber crime, the cyber police station at Panbazar in Guwahati apprehended four individuals on Monday. The arrests were made in connection with a sophisticated scam where the accused allegedly impersonated officials of the Guwahati Jal Board to extort money from unsuspecting citizens under false pretenses.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudulent Scheme
According to police authorities, the accused were operating as part of an organized fraud racket that specifically targeted residents of the city. The scammers would contact victims by phone, posing as employees of the Guwahati Jal Board. During these calls, they would send a link via text message, coercing recipients to click on it under the threatening pretext that their piped water connection would be disconnected otherwise.
This deceptive tactic was designed to create a sense of urgency and fear, leading many to comply without verifying the authenticity of the request. The police investigation revealed that the racket had been active for some time, exploiting the trust citizens place in public utility bodies.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police of the crime branch, Birinchi Borah, provided specific details about the arrested persons. The four miscreants have been identified as:
- Mayur Jyoti Bhattacharjee from Assam’s Mangaldoi district
- Rashidul Islam from South Salmara Mankachar district
- Akash Ali from Goalpara district
- Mirajul Haque from Kamrup district
While three of the accused were arrested from Guwahati, Bhattacharjee was apprehended from Mangaldoi. This indicates the widespread nature of the operation, with suspects hailing from different districts across Assam.
Legal Action and Investigation Status
A formal case has been registered at the cyber police station, and the accused have been charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. The specific sections invoked include:
- Section 316(2)
- Section 318(4)
- Section 319(2)
- Section 61(2)(b)
These provisions likely address offenses related to cheating, impersonation, and cyber fraud, reflecting the serious nature of the crimes committed.
During the operation leading to the arrests, police also seized multiple ATM cards and other items suspected to have been used in the transaction of the extorted money. This evidence is crucial for building a strong case against the perpetrators.
Officer Borah emphasized that the case remains under active investigation, and further details will be disclosed only after the inquiry is complete. "The case is still under investigation, and everything can be divulged once it is solved," he stated, highlighting the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the probe.
This arrest serves as a stern warning to cyber criminals operating in the region and underscores the vigilance of Guwahati police in combating digital fraud. Citizens are advised to remain cautious of unsolicited calls and messages claiming to be from government agencies, always verifying through official channels before taking any action.
