In a significant operation against cybercrime in the North Chotanagpur region, Jharkhand Police apprehended 57 suspects under the guidance of Inspector General Sunil Bhaskar. Coordinated raids were conducted in various districts as part of this initiative. The crackdown targeted suspicious mobile numbers flagged by the police’s “Pratibimba” app, aiding in tracking and verifying numbers associated with cyber fraud activities.
Between October 1, 2025, and February 16, 2026, a total of 15 cybercrime cases were reported after scrutinizing the flagged mobile numbers. Investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were engaged in various fraudulent activities such as impersonating officials, banking scams, OTP-based frauds, and online transaction deceptions.
Several of the apprehended individuals were identified as members of an organized cyber fraud network that operated across different districts in the region. During the raids, law enforcement seized electronic devices, banking tools, and incriminating documents, including mobile phones, SIM cards, ATM cards, bank passbooks, and other records used for fraudulent transactions.
The confiscated items also included Rs 4.67 lakh in cash. It was discovered that some suspects were using forged documents or others’ identity papers to operate bank accounts and SIM cards. Among the recovered identity documents were Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, a labor card, a voter ID card, and a driving license. Additionally, three four-wheelers and seven two-wheelers utilized by the network were impounded.
The “Pratibimba” app played a vital role in pinpointing and validating suspicious numbers, facilitating the swift apprehension of a significant number of suspects. The Inspector General emphasized that the efforts to combat cybercrime in the region will persist with heightened surveillance and further operations. Police have advised the public against sharing OTPs, banking information, or clicking on dubious links, urging them to promptly report any cyber fraud incidents to the authorities.
