Noida: The Gautam Budh Nagar Cyber Crime Police Station has busted a cyber gang that defrauded people of lakhs of rupees by promising to install solar panels from reputable companies at low prices. Police arrested two accused in the operation. Mobile phones, SIM cards, checkbooks, and a visiting card of a firm used in the fraud were recovered from the arrested accused.
According to the police, this operation was carried out under Operation Cyber Vajra, being conducted under the direction of the Police Commissioner. Based on evidence gathered through electronic surveillance and investigation, the Cyber Crime Police Station identified the accused and arrested them in Noida.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Shaivya Goyal stated that the arrested accused have been identified as Aman Kumar and Abhishek Sharma. During interrogation, the accused revealed several important facts related to the cyber fraud.
They used to cheat by promising cheap solar panels
Police investigation revealed that the accused lured people by promising to install solar panels from reputable companies at low prices. To do this, they contacted customers through online advertisements and other means. During the conversation, they assured customers of providing better solar systems at a lower price.
The accused then collected money in the name of advance payment. After receiving the money, neither the solar panels were installed nor were the customers refunded.
According to the police, the accused periodically opened offices in various locations in Noida and the National Capital Region to operate their fraud network. Through these offices, they manipulated people into committing cyber fraud.
Complaints filed in several states
According to the Cyber Crime Police, complaints have been filed against the arrested accused in several states, including Uttar Pradesh. Investigations have revealed that a total of eight complaints have been filed against them in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the accused defrauded approximately ₹15.5 lakh. Police are now gathering information about other individuals involved in the gang, their bank accounts, and digital transactions.
Mobile phones, SIM cards, and checkbooks recovered
Police recovered four mobile phones, four SIM cards, a checkbook, and a visiting card of the HRIDHAAN firm from the accused. The recovered items are being examined to uncover other cases related to the fraud network.
Police have registered a case against the accused at the Cyber Crime Police Station under sections 318(4), 319(2), 238(C), 61(2) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and section 66-D of the IT Act. Further legal action is underway in the case.
Cyber Police cautions the public
Cyber Crime Police have appealed to the public to verify the authenticity of any company or online service before using it. Avoid making advance payments on the advice of any unknown person.
Police have advised people not to share their personal information, such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank account details, or OTPs, with any unknown person. In case of cyber fraud, immediately lodge a complaint on the 1930 helpline number or the National Cyber Crime Portal, so that timely action can be taken.
