Patna. Police in Bihar’s Nalanda district have busted a six-member cyber fraud gang and arrested all its alleged members. The accused reportedly used multiple methods to target victims, including posing as tantriks and promising to perform ‘vashikaran’ rituals, as well as offering lucrative jobs in escort services through social media. Ten smartphones allegedly used in the fraud were seized during the operation.
The arrests were made as part of a special anti-cybercrime drive in the district. Police received information that members of the gang were planning a cyber fraud operation near Chulihari Bridge. Acting on the tip-off, a police team reached the location, cordoned off the area and arrested four suspects. Based on information obtained during questioning, police later conducted raids in Ugawan village and arrested two more accused.
Proposal for Conducting Cyber Crisis Drill, Tabletop Exercise (TTEx) & CCMP Readiness Exercise
The arrested accused have been identified as Bunty Kumar, 21, Sonu Kumar, 19, Sonelal Paswan, 36, and Lucky Kumar, 18, all residents of Chulihari. Two others, Deepak Kumar, 19, and another Sonu Kumar, 20, are residents of Ugawan. Police are now examining their mobile phones and online activities to determine the extent of the network and identify other people allegedly connected with it.
According to investigators, the gang used several methods to carry out cyber fraud. In one of the modules, the accused allegedly posed as spiritual practitioners and claimed that they could perform ‘vashikaran’ rituals to attract or influence a particular person. Victims were then persuaded to pay money for rituals, special prayers and other purported services.
In another alleged fraud method, the gang advertised high-paying jobs in escort services on social media platforms. People looking for employment were contacted through online advertisements or messages. Those who showed interest were allegedly asked to deposit money on various pretexts, including registration, security deposits and document verification. After receiving the money, the accused allegedly stopped communicating with the victims.
Police said the gang relied heavily on internet-based communication and social media platforms to identify potential victims and establish contact with them. The accused allegedly used mobile phones to maintain conversations and send messages until payments were secured, after which they would cut off communication.
A technical investigation has also indicated that the accused may have been operating as part of an organised cybercrime network. The 10 seized smartphones have been secured for forensic examination. Investigators are examining call records, social media accounts, chats, contact lists, banking details and digital payment transactions stored on the devices.
Investigators suspect that other individuals could also be involved in the network. Such individuals may have helped collect information about potential victims, create fake social media profiles or advertisements, and facilitate the movement of money through different accounts. Police are analysing digital evidence to identify additional suspects and establish their respective roles.
Officials said cyber fraudsters often exploit people’s religious beliefs, personal concerns and employment needs to gain their trust before demanding money under different pretexts. In the Nalanda case, the accused allegedly used both spiritual claims and employment offers to target different groups of victims. The total amount allegedly defrauded and the number of victims are expected to become clearer as the investigation progresses.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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