Cyber Fraud Network Targeting Students Busted in Rajasthan
Cyber Crime Branch Uncovers Fraudulent Scheme
Photo: IANS
Ahmedabad/Jaipur, June 15: On Monday, authorities from the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch apprehended two individuals from Rajasthan for allegedly orchestrating an interstate cyber fraud scheme that deceived students and their families by falsely claiming to provide RE-NEET examination question papers via Telegram and other social media platforms.
The Cyber Crime Police Station initiated a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act after discovering that unidentified individuals were using Telegram to assert they had access to RE-NEET examination materials and other sensitive information.
As per police reports, the suspects established multiple Telegram channels and online groups that advertised access to RE-NEET question papers.
Students preparing for the exams and their parents were targeted through various advertisements and posts that promised examination-related resources and other incentives.
Investigators revealed that funds were solicited from students and parents under the pretense of providing examination materials and confidential information. The Cyber Crime Branch accused the channels of disseminating false information and executing financial scams.
During a press briefing, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sharad Singhal clarified that there was no actual leak of the RE-NEET examination paper.
“To clarify, the RE-NEET examination paper was not leaked,” Singhal stated.
He explained that the accused misled individuals through Telegram groups and social media ads, claiming they had the examination paper for the RE-NEET scheduled for June 21, collecting advance payments before vanishing.
Police investigations, which included technical analysis of Telegram channels, IDs, mobile numbers, IP addresses, and other digital evidence, along with human intelligence, led to the identification of the two suspects: Sumer Singh Meena and Akash Meena.
Sumer Singh, an ITI graduate in Electronics, resides in Mahesh Nagar, near JDA Park in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and hails from Puneta village in Bonli tehsil, Sawai Madhopur district.
Akash Meena, who holds a BA in English and Hindi, was arrested in Kota but is originally from Rawal village in Sawai Madhopur district.
According to the police statement, the accused created Telegram channels with names such as Raghav_singh_neet, DEEPAK WADHWA, JEET SHAH CRYPTO, and others.
Payments were reportedly requested through various online payment platforms, QR codes, and bank accounts.
Investigators further alleged that the suspects artificially inflated the number of members in their Telegram channels using third-party services.
This inflated membership was then exploited to sell Telegram channels for illicit financial gain.
Singhal noted that gang members employed their associates to create a facade of credibility within the Telegram groups. “When they noticed that 300-400 premium members had joined, gang members would post messages claiming that the previous year's paper had an 80 percent success rate,” Singhal explained.
Authorities stated that no NEET or related study materials were recovered from the suspects.
The investigation also revealed that the accused were involved in investment-related cyber fraud through Telegram groups named “Trade With Karol” and “PANKAJ BHARDWAJ,” which allegedly enticed individuals with promises of high returns.
The Cyber Crime Branch discovered that six bank accounts linked to the suspects were associated with 12 complaints from various states.
Details of bank accounts used on gaming websites were obtained and utilized to obscure the origins of the fraudulent proceeds.
Funds collected through these scams were deposited into these accounts and subsequently funneled through gaming websites before being transferred to different accounts.
The suspects allegedly withdrew the money through accounts belonging to associates for personal benefit.
“Akash Meena was managing around 44 websites related to cyber criminal activities, and approximately eight Telegram groups were found on his mobile devices and laptops,” officials reported.
Singhal added, “Transactions exceeding Rs 1.5 crore have been recorded in their accounts over the past year, with more than 1,000 students reportedly defrauded.”
Investigators contacted around 1,000 mobile numbers and Telegram channels during the investigation over the past month.
Police teams are continuing their inquiries in Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal, and other states to identify additional individuals involved in money transfers, withdrawals, advertising, and technical support related to this operation.
The Cyber Crime Branch advised students, parents, and the public to be cautious and not trust Telegram channels, social media posts, or online advertisements that claim to provide examination papers in advance, alter examination results, or guarantee admissions.