Khanna Cybercrime Unit Cracks Down on Multi-State Digital Fraud Operation
In a significant breakthrough against organized digital crime, officials from the Khanna cybercrime cell have successfully dismantled a sophisticated multi-state fraud ring. The operation culminated in the recovery of more than ₹21 lakh that had been stolen from a local medical practitioner under the deceptive guise of a federal business grant program.
Three Suspects Apprehended Following Intensive Investigation
Police personnel from the Khanna cybercrime station executed arrests on three individuals after launching a comprehensive investigation into what authorities have described as a "loan-and-grant" scheme. This fraudulent operation specifically targeted small business owners across regions. The complete recovery of the stolen amount, totaling ₹21.4 lakh, marks a notable and relatively rare success in cases involving sophisticated digital financial fraud.
The arrested suspects have been identified as:
- Meghna Pankaj Gala, with connections to Mumbai and Jaipur
- Pushkar, a resident of Dholpur in Rajasthan
- Bhupinder Sharma, from Jhalawar in Rajasthan
Doctor Targeted with Promise of Massive Government Grant
The victim in this elaborate scam was Dr. Gurjeet Singh, who practices in Karamsar Rara Sahib. Dr. Singh filed a formal police complaint on January 13 after discovering that substantial funds had been illicitly siphoned from his bank accounts. According to his complaint, the fraudulent group initially approached him with an enticing offer: a purported ₹5.5 crore grant under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) innovation scheme.
Operating under the false pretense of requiring processing fees and collateral to secure this substantial grant, the trio allegedly manipulated and deceived the doctor. They persuaded him to transfer the funds before abruptly severing all communication channels, leaving him without the promised grant and significantly poorer.
Police Investigation and Successful Recovery
"A case was registered against anonymous individuals and investigated thoroughly on both technical and financial grounds," explained a spokesperson for the Khanna police. "During the detailed investigation, our specialized teams successfully identified the accused, apprehended them, and managed to recover the entire stolen amount." This statement highlights the methodical police work that led to this successful outcome.
Public Advisory Issued Amid Rising Digital Crimes
In the wake of these arrests, the Khanna police department has issued a crucial public advisory addressing the alarming increase in digital financial crimes. Authorities are urgently urging all citizens to maintain heightened vigilance against unsolicited offers, whether they promise government grants or advertise suspiciously low-interest loans.
"If any unknown person shares suspicious links, asks for One-Time Passwords (OTPs), or seeks confidential bank details, such sensitive information should never be shared under any circumstances," warned officials. This advisory forms part of a broader effort to educate the public on common cyber fraud tactics.
Importance of Immediate Reporting to Cyber Helpline
Police authorities have strongly emphasized that victims of cyber fraud should immediately contact the national Cyber Helpline at number 1930. Rapid reporting is critical, as it enables law enforcement agencies to request "holds" on fraudulent transactions within the interconnected banking system. This prompt action significantly increases the probability of recovering stolen funds, as demonstrated in this Khanna case.
The dismantling of this fraud ring serves as both a warning to potential criminals and a reminder to the public about the importance of cybersecurity awareness in an increasingly digital financial landscape.
