Major Cybercrime Crackdown in Uttar Pradesh: 34 Arrested in Mathura Villages
In a significant operation targeting organized cybercrime networks, the Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday arrested 34 individuals during simultaneous raids conducted in two villages within the Mathura district. This extensive crackdown, described by officials as one of the most substantial in recent times against rural cyberfraud operations, involved a large-scale deployment of law enforcement personnel.
Operation Details and Police Deployment
The raids were executed in Bishambhara and Janghawali villages following sustained intelligence inputs and advanced digital surveillance that had flagged suspicious activities. The operation mobilized six gazetted officers, 13 Station House Officers (SHOs), and nearly 240 police personnel, underscoring the seriousness of the threat posed by these cybercriminal networks.
Both villages had been previously identified as high-risk zones through the Pratibimb GIS-based monitoring system. This sophisticated tool was developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, which operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighting the national-level coordination in combating such crimes.
Arrests and Suspects on the Run
During the raids, police arrested 11 suspects from Janghawali village, while 17 others managed to evade capture and escape. In Bishambhara village, 23 suspects were taken into custody, with 28 individuals fleeing the scene. Overall, 34 accused were apprehended, and authorities are actively tracking 45 additional suspects who remain at large.
Search teams recovered a significant amount of evidence, including forged identity documents such as fake Aadhaar cards and multiple mobile phones suspected to have been used in various fraudulent activities. Forensic experts are currently analyzing these devices, with preliminary findings linking them to at least 18 confirmed cybercrime cases.
Organized Syndicate and Repeat Offenders
Investigations revealed that the accused were operating as a well-organized syndicate involved in ongoing cybercrime activities. SP (Rural) Suresh Chandra Rawat stated, "Our investigations have confirmed that the accused were part of an organized syndicate engaged in persistent cybercrime. Notably, eight of those arrested had previously been jailed in similar cases, indicating a pattern of repeat and organized criminal behavior."
Police are coordinating with agencies in other states to identify more victims and trace the money trail associated with these crimes. This inter-state collaboration is crucial for dismantling the broader network and ensuring justice for all affected parties.
Legal Actions and Future Steps
Authorities have confirmed that cases will be registered as evidence is thoroughly examined, and stringent provisions related to organized crime will be invoked against the accused. Additional items seized during the raids are being scrutinized to establish ownership and further links to the syndicate, which may lead to more arrests and charges.
The use of multiple IMEI numbers on the recovered mobile phones to evade detection underscores the sophisticated methods employed by these criminals. This crackdown not only disrupts their current operations but also sends a strong message about the state's commitment to tackling cybercrime in rural areas.
