The Panchkula District Cyber Crime Police have arrested Karan Kumar (Unnao, UP, living in Dhakoli, Zirakpur) and Kanav Kapoor (Noida, UP) for orchestrating a sophisticated cyber fraud using bank accounts opened in the names of migrant labourers. Both are now in police custody following a sting operation on June 14.
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Impersonation via Government Scheme Ruse
Authorities say Karan approached labourers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, promising them financial benefits under government welfare schemes. Gaining their trust, he collected identity documents—Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID—to open bank accounts. He retained passbooks, chequebooks, ATM cards, and linked SIMs. These accounts were then misused for cybercrime operations.
Kanav played a central role, meeting Karan near the Sector 20 cremation ground to collect account details. A team from the cybercrime cell ambushed them at approximately 8:20 pm on June 14. Karan was seen arriving on a motorcycle while Kanav approached on foot, carrying a suspicious bag.
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Evidence and Network Revealed
Upon arrest, investigators seized a trove of materials:
- From Karan: 18 ATM cards, 12 bank passbooks, 6 chequebooks
- From Kanav: 6 smartphones, 2 basic mobiles, 7 SIM cards, and a laptop
Karan admitted to selling each fabricated labourer-based account to Kanav for ₹3,000 apiece. Kanav reportedly used these accounts to transfer illicitly gained funds, then shared the proceeds with Karan.
Both suspects have prior criminal records, according to police. A fresh FIR was registered under Sections 61 (criminal conspiracy) and 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Sector 20 cybercrime police station. Investigators say the network may extend further, with digital trail and accomplice identification ongoing.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.