Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, Oct 7: In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Jammu Cyber Police have uncovered an elaborate online fraud involving Rs 4.44 crore, leading to the arrest of three individuals from Surat, Gujarat, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

The case unraveled when a local resident filed a complaint on September 2, alleging that he had been duped by cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officers. The fraudsters falsely accused the victim of involvement in money laundering via his Aadhaar and SIM credentials, coercing him into transferring large sums across multiple bank accounts under the threat of a "digital arrest."

Acting swiftly, the police registered an FIR under Section 66D of the IT Act and launched a multi-layered investigation. Cyber sleuths traced the money trail, dissected transactions, and analysed digital evidence, ultimately linking the operation to a network in Gujarat.

A special police team led by Inspectors Gagandeep Singh and Ajit Singh was dispatched to Surat, where three accused — Manish Arunbhai Chauhan, Ansh Vithani, and Kishorbhai Karamshibhai Diyoria — were apprehended and brought to Jammu for interrogation.

So far, authorities have managed to freeze Rs 55.88 lac across various bank accounts and have already refunded Rs 6 lac to the victim. The remaining amount is still being traced.

On October 6, a part challan was filed in court under relevant sections of the IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Jammu & Kashmir Police urged citizens to remain cautious of impersonation scams and to report any suspicious activity involving threats from supposed law enforcement agencies.