In a significant crackdown on cyber crime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three individuals in Assam, including the Territorial Sales Manager of Airtel in Silchar, for their involvement in the illegal sale of SIM cards used in various online fraud schemes. The arrests were made on Wednesday as part of the ongoing Operation Chakra, following searches conducted at five locations in Cachar district.
The arrested parties have been identified as Debashish Doley, the Airtel Territorial Sales Manager, along with two middlemen, Mahim Uddin Barbhuiya and Ashim Purkayastha. The CBI’s investigation uncovered that Doley conspired with middlemen, distributors, and point-of-sale agents to issue SIM cards without the knowledge or consent of the individuals whose names were officially registered.
This unlawful sale of SIM cards breached established guidelines, with the accused reportedly selling the cards in bulk at inflated prices to middlemen. These unauthorized SIM cards were later employed in committing various cyber crimes, including digital arrest frauds, impersonation scams, fake advertisements, investment frauds, and UPI-related deceit, according to a CBI statement.
The searches yielded incriminating evidence such as mobile phones, electronic devices, and copies of KYC documents, which are currently being analyzed by forensic experts. Officials emphasized that these arrests reflect the government’s commitment to dismantling the infrastructure supporting cyber crimes while also seeking justice for the perpetrators.
“This action underscores the Indian government’s firm resolve in combating cyber crimes and ensuring that facilitators are held accountable,” the agency noted.
The arrested individuals were presented before a local magistrate in Assam, where the CBI secured transit remand. They are set to appear before the jurisdictional FIR court on Thursday. Ongoing investigations suggest that further arrests may take place as the inquiry continues.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/cbi-arrests-three-persons-in-assam-for-selling-unauthorised-sim-cards
Category: North-East
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Publish Date: 2025-08-28 17:54:00
