Ahmedabad, June 15: The Cyber Crime Branch of Ahmedabad police has uncovered a significant cyber fraud ring, arresting two suspects from Rajasthan. The duo allegedly deceived over 1,000 students and their parents out of millions of rupees by promising access to NEET exam question papers through Telegram and social media.
A case has been registered under sections 318(4), 319(2), and 54 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. Investigations revealed that the suspects claimed to possess confidential information and question papers for the NEET exam scheduled for June 21.
The arrested individuals, Sumer Singh Meena and Akash Meena, were found to be operating multiple Telegram channels and groups, enticing students with the promise of exam papers. They collected advance payments through online transactions, QR codes, and bank accounts.
Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Sharad Singhal clarified that no NEET exam question paper had been leaked. He emphasized that the suspects were merely making fraudulent claims to extort money from students and parents, disappearing after receiving payments.
The investigation also uncovered that the gang created fake members and premium accounts on Telegram to appear credible. They posted messages claiming that their previous year’s exam predictions were accurate up to 80%, luring victims into their trap.
No confidential study materials or question papers related to NEET or other exams were recovered from the suspects. The police also revealed that the duo was involved in cyber fraud under the guise of investments, enticing individuals to invest money with promises of high returns.
According to the Cyber Crime Branch, six bank accounts linked to the suspects were connected to 12 cyber fraud complaints registered across various states. The investigation indicated that the fraudulently obtained funds were initially routed through gaming websites before being withdrawn through different bank accounts to obscure the source of the money.
Police disclosed that Akash Meena was operating around 44 websites related to cyber crimes, and they recovered about eight Telegram groups from his mobile phone and laptop. Over the past year, transactions exceeding 15 million rupees have been traced to the suspects’ accounts.
Authorities assert that this gang has targeted over 1,000 students. During the investigation, around 1,000 mobile numbers and Telegram channels were scrutinized. Police teams in Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal, and other states are actively searching for additional gang members, money transfer agents, and technical collaborators.
The Cyber Crime Branch has urged students, parents, and the general public to refrain from believing any claims on social media or Telegram regarding exam question papers, result alterations, or guaranteed admissions. They have requested that any suspicious messages be reported to the police immediately.
Leave a Comment