Bihar DGP warns against SIM misuse amid cybercrime surge
Patna, Aug 14
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
Reader Comments
But honestly, how did one person get 1300+ SIM cards without anyone noticing? The telecom companies should also be held accountable. They just keep issuing SIMs without proper verification. It's not just about the criminals - the system has holes too. 🤔
Living in the US, I hear about these international fraud networks all the time. The fact that this kid from a small village in Bihar was connected to Thailand, Vietnam, China and Nepal shows how globalized crime has become. India definitely needs stronger cyber laws and international cooperation.
The DGP makes a valid point about public awareness. In villages, people often don't understand the consequences of lending their IDs or sharing OTPs. But I also think the police need to do more community outreach, not just press conferences. Awareness campaigns in local languages can go a long way.
A 21-year-old running an international cybercrime network from a village in Supaul? That's scary and impressive at the same time, if we're being honest. But these kids need proper guidance and opportunities. The fact that they turn to crime shows there's a bigger issue of youth unemployment and lack of digital literacy in rural areas.
The international angle here is concerning. SIM-box operations are a huge problem globally - they're used for everything from spam calls to terrorist communications. It's good that Indian agencies are taking this seriously. But enforcement needs to be consistent, not just a one-off crackdown.
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