70 teams, 30 locations and 30 arrests – massive cyber crime syndicate that conned govt scheme beneficiaries busted

Police have detained 30 accused, including the alleged mastermind Ramavatar Saini of Bandikui in Dausa and seized ₹52 lakh in cash, luxury vehicles, 35 computers, biometric devices, hundreds of SIM cards, and documents linked to over 11,000 bank accounts. The total seizure is valued at over ₹3 crore.

Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Budaniya said a toll-free number launched for the public to confidently share information with the police proved to be crucial to the breakthrough. On August 8, 2025, a tip-off was received that led to the registration of a cyber fraud case.

Taking the matter seriously, constable Ravi Sen was assigned the case. Initial investigation by Sen revealed multiple bank accounts were linked to a single mobile number and that several suspicious transactions and treasury deposits were made in those accounts, followed by instant cash withdrawals. As the probe deepened, Constable Sumit Kumar was also attached to the team.

Further investigation revealed that individuals in remote areas like Manoharthana and Dangipura were selling their bank accounts and identity documents to others who illegally claimed government benefits. Tracing these links, the police identified connections between Asik Ali, Rajulal Saini and local operatives in Jhalawar — Parmanand Meena, Mahaveer Pareta, and Sunil Sahu, who were in active contact with Ramavatar Saini, the alleged kingpin.

Data analysis revealed a complex web of financial activity. Ramavatar was found connected with individuals like Bihari Goyal, Shivnarayan, Dhirap, Raju, and Rambabu from the Aklera-Manoharthana area. Their bank statements revealed a pattern of systematic fraud, indicating a well-organized racket operating across districts.

Upon deeper investigation, it came to the fore that Saini had detailed knowledge of various government welfare and pension portals, including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Disaster Management Information System (DMIS), and Land Seeding Verification Systems. He and his associates exploited these systems by collecting bank details and identity documents from individuals, promising them benefits. He manipulated data on official portals to show ineligible people as verified beneficiaries, enabling large transfers from the government treasury. The gang then reportedly kept 50–75% commission, diverting large sums meant for welfare schemes.

Following weeks of surveillance, 70 police teams executed simultaneous raids across 30 locations in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, covering over 700 kilometers. A Cyber Control Room at Jhalawar Police Headquarters monitored operations in real time, ensuring coordination and preventing evidence destruction.

Given the scale of the fraud, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under DySPs Prem Kumar, Harshraj Singh Khareda, and Manoj Soni. The State Bank of India also deployed a four-member team led by Chief Manager Om Prakash Sharma to analyze the bank accounts and trace the money trail.

SP Amit Kumar credited the success of Operation Shutterdown to citizen cooperation and proactive intelligence sharing. He emphasized that the informant’s identity remains strictly confidential and lauded the dedication of officers involved.