In a significant development in the ₹8.1 crore online fraud case linked to retired Punjab IPS officer Amar Singh Chahal, Patiala police have arrested two individuals from Thane, Maharashtra, and confiscated over 500 SIM cards reportedly used in the scam. The arrests occurred this week, with officials noting that the suspects were part of an organized cyber fraud network. They allegedly utilized multiple SIM cards to run fake investment platforms and communicate with their victims. The identities of those arrested have not been disclosed.
Varun Sharma, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Patiala, confirmed the arrests and the recovery of the SIM cards, stating, “Two arrests have been made in this case from Mumbai’s Thane area, and more than 500 SIM cards have been recovered. Further investigation is ongoing.”
Chahal attempted suicide on December 22 at his residence in Patiala, reportedly after being deceived by cyber fraudsters. A First Information Report was filed on December 23 regarding the incident. Prior to this, police had frozen 25 bank accounts associated with suspicious transactions either made by Chahal or connected to him through an online investment WhatsApp group called ‘F777 DBS Group’. Investigators revealed that one of these accounts contained nearly ₹3 crore when it was frozen.
Police investigations initially indicated connections to cyber fraud networks based in Maharashtra, prompting teams to search outside Punjab to locate the suspects. The arrests in Thane represent the first major action taken in this case.
Chahal, a former inspector general of police, sustained a gunshot wound near his heart during his suicide attempt. He was quickly taken to Park Hospital in Patiala, where doctors conducted surgery to repair damage to his lung, and he is currently in stable condition.
On Tuesday, Chahal shared a video message from the hospital, reassuring supporters about his recovery. “I am fine now. With the grace of God, progress is happening. Due to the risk of infection, visitors are not allowed. Thank you all for your best wishes. We will meet soon,” he said.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/online-fraud-thane-retired-punjab-top-cop-sim-cards-10448771/
Category: Chandigarh,Cities
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Publish Date: 2025-12-31 19:31:00
