Raichur cyber police arrest notorious fraudster after two-month covert operation in Rajasthan
Raichur : In an operation reminiscent of high-octane Telugu police thrillers, the Raichur cyber crime police have successfully arrested a notorious cyber fraudster who was cheating unsuspecting citizens by creating fake Facebook accounts in the names of IAS and IPS officers. The arrest came after an intensive and covert two-month-long operation carried out in Rajasthan, showcasing meticulous planning and sustained surveillance by the police team.
The arrested accused has been identified as Shakeel (19), a native of Chand Bas Chirkhana village in Alwar district of Rajasthan. According to investigators, Shakeel was part of an organised cyber fraud network operating out of Rajasthan, particularly from Alwar and Bharatpur districts, which have emerged as hubs for online financial scams. Police revealed that groups of young offenders were systematically engaging in cyber fraud by impersonating senior government officials and exploiting public trust.
As per the investigation, the accused created a fake Facebook profile in the name of Raichur Deputy Commissioner Nitish K. Using the forged identity, Shakeel contacted several individuals, claiming that a sub-inspector known to him had been transferred and was urgently selling household items such as an air conditioner, bed and refrigerator at throwaway prices. Lured by the apparent authenticity of the account and the use of a senior officer’s name, victims were convinced to transfer money online.
One such victim, Ramesh, a resident of Raichur, fell prey to the scam and transferred money after receiving messages from the fake account. When the promised goods never arrived and communication stopped, he realised he had been cheated and lodged a complaint. Based on this complaint, the Raichur cyber police registered a case in June and launched a detailed investigation to trace the accused.
Tracking the digital footprints of the fraudster proved challenging, as the accused frequently changed locations and used multiple mobile numbers and online identities. However, through technical analysis, call data records and sustained ground intelligence, the police narrowed down the suspect’s location in Rajasthan. A special team was then deputed to Rajasthan, where officers operated undercover, posing as ordinary civilians and closely monitoring the accused’s movements.
Sources said the arrest was carried out with cinematic precision, as police blended into the local environment to avoid alerting the suspect. Once sufficient evidence was gathered, the team moved swiftly and apprehended Shakeel without giving him a chance to escape. During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to creating multiple fake social media accounts using names and photos of senior officers to gain credibility and defraud people.
Based on the information provided by the accused, Raichur cyber police have now identified several associates involved in similar scams. Officials confirmed that a special team is being formed to return to Rajasthan to trace and arrest other members of the network and dismantle the wider cyber fraud racket.
Police have urged citizens to remain cautious while dealing with online offers, especially those involving advance payments and claims made in the names of government officials. They have also appealed to the public to immediately report suspicious online activity to prevent further victims from falling into such traps.
