In a major crackdown on online trading fraud, Assam Police arrested at least 10 individuals from various locations, including Guwahati and Dibrugarh, over the past few days. These arrests are part of an ongoing campaign against cyber-criminals and fraudsters who have swindled crores of rupees from unsuspecting victims.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly urged the police to take stringent action against online fraudsters, emphasizing that all police stations across the state should actively register cases related to cybercrimes and online trading scams. “There is a legitimate process for investing in the share market. People should refrain from trusting fraudsters who promise high returns and risk their hard-earned money,” he said.
In Guwahati, four individuals—Anvesh Chandra (22), Bablu Das (29) alias Halowa, Abinash Mahato (23), and Chinmoy Chakraborty (27)—were arrested for allegedly working as agents for cyber-criminal gangs operating both within India and abroad, particularly in Dubai. Police Commissioner Diganta Barah reported that these agents targeted vulnerable individuals, often from illiterate or low-income backgrounds, convincing them to open bank accounts for a lump-sum payment. These bank accounts were then used as mule accounts by cyber-criminals for illegal activities. During a raid at a rented flat in Hatigaon, police seized 44 cheque books, 12 bank passbooks, and 49 ATM cards linked to multiple victims’ bank accounts.
In Dibrugarh, Bishal Phukan and his accomplice Biplab Hazarika were arrested for running a fraudulent online trading operation that duped individuals into investing in the stock market with promises of guaranteed returns. According to police, Phukan defrauded nearly 200 people, promising returns of up to 30% or more on their investments.
This series of arrests marks a significant step in Assam’s ongoing efforts to combat online fraud, with authorities vowing to hold cyber-criminals accountable and protect the public from financial exploitation.