Major Crackdown on Cybercrime in Jharkhand, 57 Arrested in Coordinated Operation

Ranchi: In a significant action against cybercrime, Jharkhand Police arrested 57 people during a special, coordinated operation conducted across the North Chotanagpur region, officials said on Friday.

The operation was carried out under the directions of Inspector General Sunil Bhaskar, with simultaneous raids in several districts. Authorities targeted suspicious mobile numbers identified through the police’s Pratibimba app, a technical tool used to track and verify numbers linked to cyber fraud.

Between October 1, 2025, and February 16, 2026, police registered 15 cybercrime cases after verifying the flagged numbers. Preliminary findings showed the accused were involved in impersonation calls, banking and ATM fraud, OTP scams, and online transaction fraud.

Investigators revealed that several of those arrested were part of an organised cybercrime network operating across multiple districts. During the raids, police seized a large cache of electronic devices, banking materials, documents and cash, including mobile phones, SIM cards, ATM cards, passbooks, cheque books and handwritten records detailing fraudulent transactions.

Officials said forged identity documents were also used to open bank accounts and obtain SIM cards. Vehicles used in carrying out the crimes were seized as well. Police credited the Pratibimba app for enabling swift identification and arrests, and said similar operations will continue. Citizens were advised to remain cautious and report cyber fraud immediately.

With inputs from IANS