A private tutor has been accused of opening bank accounts in the names of his students using their identity documents and routing crores of rupees linked to cyber fraud through those accounts. The scam came to light after a student received a notice from the Jaunpur Cyber Police. An FIR has now been registered, and the accused teacher is reportedly absconding.
Fraud uncovered through cyber notice
Sudhakar Yadav, a resident of Shivriya village in the Chilua Tal area, told police that he received a notice from the Jaunpur Cyber Police regarding a bank account in his name at an IndusInd Bank branch in Civil Lines. He claimed he had never opened such an account and possessed none of the related documents.
Further inquiries revealed that several other students from the same tuition centre had similar accounts opened in their names, which were used for suspicious financial transactions.
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Documents taken on pretext of KYC
According to the complaint, the tutor, Mohammad Shahrukh of Suryavihar Colony in Tiwari Pur, collected Aadhaar and PAN card copies from students in August 2023, claiming they were required for KYC updates to avail benefits under a government scheme that would credit ₹2,000 to their accounts.
To gain their trust, ₹2,000 was transferred into the students’ genuine bank accounts, which they believed to be government assistance. It was later discovered that the money had been sent by the accused himself.
Fake accounts with altered details
The victim stated that while his Aadhaar and PAN were used to open the fraudulent account, other details were manipulated — his father’s name was replaced with his mother’s name, and the registered mobile number, address and email ID did not belong to him. He never received a passbook, ATM card or cheque book for the account.
Investigators believe these mule accounts were used to route funds obtained through cyber fraud.
Multiple students receive notices
Several students from the same tuition reportedly received notices from different cyber police stations, indicating a wider network of fraudulent accounts. Authorities suspect the involvement of an organised cyber racket.
Accused absconding for over a year
After the matter surfaced, the accused tutor went absconding. He used to run tuition classes at his father’s furniture shop near Ghasi Katra crossing.
The complainant also alleged that the accused’s family offered to settle the matter for ₹30,000. A video of the alleged conversation is said to exist, though police are verifying its authenticity.
FIR registered, forensic probe underway
Following directions at the state level, a case has been registered at the cyber police station. Cyber experts are analysing bank transactions, call detail records, IP logs and document trails. Investigators are also examining whether any bank officials were involved and whether the accounts were linked to larger cybercrime operations.
Advisory for students and parents
Police have urged students and parents to:
- Never share Aadhaar, PAN or KYC documents with unauthorised persons
- Be cautious of claims about government benefits requiring document submission
- Report unknown bank accounts or cyber notices immediately
Officials said more victims may surface as the probe progresses, and the case could expose a larger network of cyber fraud using student identities as money mule accounts.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
