Agra | The Chambal ravines, once notorious for dacoits and armed gangs, are fast emerging as a new breeding ground for cybercrime. The weapons have changed—from guns to mobile phones—but the impact remains just as devastating. Today, fraud is no longer executed at gunpoint, but through deceptive calls demanding OTPs and KYC updates. In the ravine-dominated regions of Agra and Mathura districts in Uttar Pradesh, police say a highly organised cyber fraud network is operating—one that closely resembles the plot of the popular crime series ‘Jamtara’.
According to police records, more than 50 cyber fraudsters have been arrested and sent to jail over the past few years from villages in Agra and Mathura alone. In addition, properties belonging to over a dozen accused have been seized under legal provisions. The modus operandi is simple yet effective—young men from rural villages sit in isolated ravines and make calls across the country, impersonating bank officials, investment advisors, or government representatives, and siphon off money from unsuspecting victims.
From Ravines to Makeshift ‘Call Centres’
Investigations reveal that several villages in the Bah, Pinahat and Jaitpur regions—such as Pidhaura, Tadheta, Kheda Rathore and Bhagtanpura—have served as key operational hubs for these fraud rings. As early as 2020, police had carried out large-scale crackdowns in these areas. Under the leadership of then IG A. Satish Ganesh, not only were mass arrests made, but extensive awareness campaigns were also conducted to educate villagers about the legal consequences of cybercrime.
More recently, a special operation in Mathura’s Devaseras, Mudseras, Nagla Akatiya and Daulatpur villages led to the arrest of over 40 cyber criminals. Locals were stunned to see the scale of wealth accumulated by the accused—lavish houses, luxury vehicles and expensive smartphones stood in sharp contrast to their modest rural surroundings.
Job and Investment Traps, Fake SIMs and Bank Accounts
DCP (East Zone) Abhishek Agrawal said that in a recent operation in the Basai Arela area, 10 cyber fraudsters were arrested for cheating people under the guise of providing jobs and high-return investments. The gang relied heavily on forged identity documents to open SIM cards and bank accounts. Internet connectivity was also procured using fake credentials to avoid detection and tracking.
Agrawal explained that cybercrime investigations are technically complex and time-consuming. Call detail records, bank transaction trails and digital footprints are meticulously analysed before suspects are identified and arrested. Three more accused linked to the same network are currently absconding, and efforts are underway to trace them.
Police Strategy: Awareness Along with Enforcement
Police officials say that arrests alone will not solve the problem. The focus is now shifting towards prevention. According to the DCP, teams will visit villages to conduct awareness programmes for youth, identifying those already in contact with cybercrime networks. Families will be counselled and warned about the irreversible damage such activities can cause.
The message from the police is unequivocal—once arrested, offenders face not only imprisonment but also property seizure, effectively destroying their future prospects.
Cyber Safety: What to Do and What Not to Do
- Be cautious of calls from unknown numbers, especially those demanding money or OTPs.
- Never share OTPs with anyone claiming to be a bank official—banks do not make such requests.
- Avoid sharing personal information with strangers on social media.
- There is no concept of “digital arrest”; anyone claiming so is a fraudster.
- In case of cyber fraud, immediately call the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or lodge a complaint with the nearest cyber cell.
The Chambal ravines are no longer just a geographical challenge for law enforcement. They have become a new frontline in the fight against digital crime—where the race between technology and the law will determine the outcome.
