Chander Kant, a prime suspect in the ₹8.1 crore cyber fraud scandal involving retired Punjab Police IG AS Chahal, died at Government Rajindra Hospital in Patiala on January 9, 2026, due to diabetes complications. The 40-year-old, arrested from Maharashtra, passed away around 4 PM while on judicial remand, marking a twist in the high-profile investigation.
Final Call: FCRF Opens Last Registration Window for GRC and DPO Certifications
Dramatic Turn in Ongoing Probe
Kant was among seven nabbed from Maharashtra—Lakhan Srichand, Somnath, Ranjit Nambardar, Prateek Uttam, Ashish Kumar Pandey, and Mohammad Sharif—for allegedly activating SIMs in India dispatched to Dubai kingpins. Patiala Cyber Crime Police registered FIR under BNS Sections 316(2), 336(3), 340(2), 318(4), 319(2), 61(2) and IT Act 66(D) for conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and impersonation.
Arrested post-Chahal’s December 22 self-inflicted shooting at his Patiala home, the gang’s SIM racket facilitated frauds totaling ₹8.1 crore. Kant’s health declined during Monday’s remand hearing, leading to hospitalization; post-mortem set for January 10.
Role in International SIM Fraud Network
Interrogation revealed Kant’s pivot: sourcing SIMs locally, evading KYC via mules, then smuggling to UAE hubs for phishing, OTP scams, and banking frauds. This underscores Punjab’s emergence as a cyber fraud conduit, with 15,000+ complaints in 2025 linking to overseas syndicates.
Chahal, retired 2019, allegedly succumbed to gang pressure; probe explores ex-IG’s unwitting involvement or coercion in the nexus.
Investigation Continues Amid Setback
With Kant’s death, police pivot to co-accused for Dubai leads, fund trails. Remaining six on remand; assets frozen, digital footprints traced via CDR analysis. Cyber wing intensifies SIM vendor raids amid national crackdown post-Telecom Act amendments.
Forensic audit of Chahal’s devices ongoing; family denies deeper ties, citing extortion fears.
Broader Implications for Cyber Crime Fight
- Exposes SIM mule rackets fueling 70% of financial frauds
- Highlights health risks in custody for chronic patients
- Probes potential police-insider collusion in Punjab belt
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
