Haridwar: The investigation into the alleged Magadh cyber fraud gang in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar has revealed links to a wider interstate cybercrime network. Police said the probe following the arrest of five accused from Bihar has established that around ₹10 lakh of the ₹25.27 lakh allegedly defrauded from a retired government employee in Karnataka was transferred to a bank account linked to the accused in Haridwar. The victim, who was allegedly subjected to prolonged cyber blackmail, died by suicide in October 2025.
Karnataka Police have contacted Shyampur Police in connection with the case and may visit Haridwar to collect information about the accused, bank accounts and financial transactions. Investigators have found that approximately ₹10 lakh from the alleged fraud involving the Karnataka victim reached a bank account linked to the network in Haridwar.
Five Accused Arrested in Haridwar Cyber Fraud Probe
Shyampur Police arrested five alleged members of the Magadh cyber fraud network from Bihar on Wednesday. During the operation, police recovered 35 ATM and debit cards belonging to different banks, 14 bank passbooks, 17 SIM cards, 18 mobile phones, two laptops and ₹37,500 in cash.
Preliminary investigation has indicated that the accused may be linked to cyber fraud worth more than ₹2.75 crore. Investigators are examining the seized mobile phones, SIM cards, bank records and ATM cards to trace the movement of suspected fraud proceeds and identify other members of the network.
Bank Accounts Allegedly Arranged for Cyber Fraud Transactions
According to investigators, the arrested accused allegedly arranged bank accounts in the names of different individuals at the local level. The account details were then allegedly shared with members of the Magadh gang operating from Bihar.
Cyber fraud proceeds were subsequently deposited into these accounts and allegedly moved through multiple transactions. The accused were reportedly paid a commission of around 10% for arranging accounts and facilitating transactions. People whose names were allegedly used for opening the accounts were also given a portion of the money.
Police are now examining how many such accounts were opened and how much money from cyber fraud cases across the country was routed through them.
Retired Karnataka Employee Allegedly Targeted Through Cyber Blackmail
One of the most serious findings in the investigation concerns Manjunath Bidari, a retired government employee from Vijayapura, Karnataka. Police said he had allegedly been receiving calls and WhatsApp calls from different mobile numbers for several days.
The callers allegedly demanded money and threatened him with criminal prosecution and imprisonment if he failed to pay. His family alleged that the repeated blackmail and psychological harassment left him severely distressed.
According to the investigation, Manjunath was allegedly defrauded of ₹25.27 lakh. On the evening of October 7, 2025, he left home saying he was going for a walk but did not return. His body was recovered from the Krishna River on October 11. Karnataka Police said he had allegedly jumped into the river from the Kolhar Bridge. An FIR has been registered at Jalandagar police station in Vijayanagar in connection with the case.
₹10 Lakh Cyber Fraud Trail Leads to Haridwar Account
During its investigation, Shyampur Police found that around ₹10 lakh allegedly linked to the cyber fraud involving Manjunath had been transferred to a bank account connected with the network in Haridwar.
Investigators are now examining the account holder, the operation of the account and subsequent transactions to establish where the money was transferred and who ultimately benefited from it.
The transaction is significant because it potentially connects the alleged Haridwar account network with a cybercrime case registered in another state. Investigators are expected to compare banking records, KYC details, digital devices and transaction timestamps to establish the wider financial trail.
Mule Accounts Used to Move Suspected Fraud Proceeds
The alleged use of multiple bank accounts is a common feature investigators examine in organised cyber fraud cases. Such accounts can be used to receive money from victims before the funds are rapidly transferred through other accounts, making it harder to identify the ultimate beneficiary.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said cybercriminals frequently use bank accounts belonging to other individuals instead of receiving fraud proceeds directly. He said tracing the complete financial trail is essential to identify both account providers and the actual beneficiaries.
Singh added that in cyber blackmail cases, criminals often exploit fear and falsely threaten victims with arrest or legal action, pressuring them into making repeated payments.
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Special Teams Formed to Trace Magadh Gang Links
Two special teams have been formed under the leadership of the Shyampur police station in-charge to trace the alleged masterminds of the Magadh gang. The teams include personnel from Shyampur Police, the Crime Investigation Unit and the Cyber Crime Cell.
One team is examining the local contacts of the arrested accused and the individuals whose accounts were allegedly used, while another team is preparing to travel to Bihar.
Police are analysing the seized digital devices and banking records to establish links with cyber fraud cases reported across the country and identify additional members of the alleged network. Investigators said the amount involved and the number of victims could increase as the financial and digital trail is examined further.
How to Report Cyber Fraud in India
Anyone who has lost money to an online scam should report the incident immediately through India’s cybercrime reporting system and contact their bank or payment service provider without delay. Quick reporting can help investigators and banks attempt to freeze or trace funds before they are moved further through the financial network.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the arrested accused will be subject to the judicial process.
About the author — Ananya Aradhya writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats. Her work also covers major criminal cases, financial frauds, consumer scams, and stories that highlight risks affecting people in the real and digital world.
