Agra: The notorious Chambal ravines of Uttar Pradesh, once synonymous with dacoits and banditry, are now echoing with a new kind of crime—cyber fraud. Much like the web series Jamtara, which depicted organised cyber scams operating from remote regions of Jharkhand and West Bengal, a similar network has taken root in Agra district, alarming law enforcement agencies.
Police investigations reveal that cyber fraudsters operating from villages nestled deep in the ravines have been targeting unsuspecting citizens across the country with scripted calls beginning with, “Hello… I am calling from the bank. Your account needs to be updated.” Within minutes, victims are tricked into sharing sensitive details and OTPs—leading to instant financial losses.
So far, more than 50 cyber criminals have been arrested and sent to jail, while property seizure proceedings have been initiated against over a dozen accused under relevant legal provisions.
Luxury Lifestyle Built on Online Fraud
In recent days, police launched a major crackdown in four villages of Mathura—Devseras, Mudseras, Nagla Akatiya and Daulatpur, arresting over 40 accused involved in cyber scams. Investigations revealed that many of them were living in lavish houses, owning expensive cars, high-end smartphones and electronic gadgets, funded entirely through fraudulent earnings.
This phenomenon is not limited to Mathura. As early as 2020, Agra Police had busted a similar network operating from villages in the Bah and Pinahat regions, including Pidhaura, Tadheta (Jaitpur) and Bhagtanpura (Kheda Rathore). Young men from these villages would travel into the Chambal ravines, operating scam calls from secluded locations to avoid detection.
During that operation, police arrested more than 50 accused and initiated asset confiscation proceedings against over a dozen individuals. At the time, then Inspector General A. Satish Ganesh had also launched extensive awareness campaigns in these villages to deter youth from falling into cyber crime.
Luring Victims With Jobs and Investments
DCP (East Zone) Abhishek Agrawal said that in a recent operation in the Basai Arela area, police arrested 10 cyber fraudsters, while three more accused are still absconding. The gang allegedly lured victims by offering fake job opportunities and high-return investment schemes.
“The accused used fake identities to obtain SIM cards and open bank accounts. Internet connections and Wi-Fi services were also procured using forged documents,” the DCP said. He added that the gangs employed layered tactics to evade detection, making arrests possible only after prolonged surveillance and technical investigation.
Village-to-Village Awareness Drive Planned
Police officials have announced plans to launch a village-level awareness campaign to curb the growing menace. The focus will be on educating young people about the legal consequences of cyber crime, including imprisonment and confiscation of assets.
“We will identify individuals involved in such gangs and inform their families. Once arrested, not only does one go to jail, but properties are also seized, ruining the future of entire families,” the DCP warned. He urged youths to stay away from activities that could entangle them in serious criminal cases.
What to Do, What Not to Do
Police have issued the following advisories to prevent cyber fraud:
- Do not respond to calls from unknown numbers demanding money or personal details.
- Never share OTPs, bank details or personal information over phone or social media.
- Police never conduct “digital arrests”; such calls should be treated as fraud.
- Bank officials never ask for OTPs—any such call is a scam.
- In case of cyber fraud, immediately call the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 and lodge a complaint with the cyber cell.
Authorities have made it clear that while the face of crime in Chambal may have changed, the response from law enforcement will be firm and uncompromising.
