Patna: Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar has adopted a tough stance against the growing threat of cybercrime in the state, warning that strict action will be taken against people who obtain more than the permitted number of SIM cards using a single identity document.
He also said that those involved in preparing fake Aadhaar cards would face legal action.
Addressing a press conference in Patna, the DGP said cybercrime has emerged as a major challenge for law‑enforcement agencies. According to him, more than 7,000 FIRs related to cybercrime have been registered in Bihar, while police and other agencies are continuing to take action against cybercriminal networks.
DGP Vinay Kumar said authorities have identified cases in which dozens of SIM cards were reportedly issued against a single ID, despite the prescribed limit of nine SIM connections per individual. He said authorities would identify people found to have obtained more than nine SIM cards and take appropriate action.
He disclosed that FIRs had been registered against around 100 people allegedly involved in creating fake Aadhaar cards.
The DGP highlighted the case of Harshit Kumar Mishra, a 21‑year‑old from Gauspur village in Supaul district, as an example of the increasingly sophisticated nature of cybercrime. According to the police investigation, Mishra allegedly operated an international cyber‑fraud network using SIM‑box equipment installed at his three‑storey residence.
The setup allegedly enabled large numbers of calls and messages to be routed to domestic and international destinations. Police said Mishra travelled to countries including Thailand and Vietnam to acquire equipment and training, and developed links with individuals in China and Nepal.
The investigation found that the alleged operation generated substantial financial gains. Police have also been examining alleged investments and assets in India and abroad, including properties, cryptocurrency and overseas investments.
The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of the Bihar Police, working with the Department of Telecommunications, conducted a prolonged search at Mishra’s premises in Supaul. Officials recovered eight SIM‑box devices, more than 1,300 SIM cards, biometric devices, cash‑counting machines and other materials allegedly linked to the operation.
The case attracted the attention of central agencies because of its alleged international connections, with agencies including the CBI and Intelligence Bureau reportedly becoming involved in the investigation.
DGP Vinay Kumar emphasised that police alone cannot tackle cybercrime. Referring to Mishra’s alleged rapid accumulation of wealth, he questioned how family members and residents could remain unaware of such activity. He stressed that public awareness and timely reporting of suspicious activities are essential to preventing cybercrime networks from expanding.
The Bihar Police’s latest warning reflects a broader effort to crack down on the misuse of SIM cards, fraudulent identities, illegal telecommunications infrastructure and international cyber‑fraud networks.
(IANS)
