Massive cybercrime racket defrauding govt welfare schemes busted in Rajasthan

Jhalawar police have dismantled a sprawling inter-state cybercrime syndicate that allegedly siphoned off funds from central and state government welfare schemes, targeting farmers, pensioners, and low-income beneficiaries.

Dubbed Operation Shutterdown, the crackdown saw 70 police teams simultaneously raid 30 locations across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the arrest of 30 individuals, including the alleged mastermind, Ramavatar Saini of Bandikui, Dausa.

Authorities seized ₹52 lakh in cash, luxury vehicles, 35 computers, biometric devices, hundreds of SIM cards, and documents linked to more than 11,000 bank accounts — totaling assets valued at over ₹3 crore.

Investigations revealed that the syndicate exploited schemes such as PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Social Security Pensions, and disaster compensation programmes. Fraudsters reportedly used forged identities and accounts across Jodhpur, Kota, Bundi, and Dausa, with personal data sourced from Jhalawar.

In remote areas like Manoharthana and Dangipura, locals sold bank accounts and identity documents, enabling the gang to claim benefits fraudulently.

Police said Saini and his associates had in-depth knowledge of government portals, including PM Kisan, Disaster Management Information System, and Land Seeding Verification Systems. They manipulated official records to mark ineligible individuals as verified beneficiaries, diverting large sums while pocketing 50–75% commission.

Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Budaniya credited the breakthrough to proactive citizen cooperation, citing a toll-free tip line that led to the case’s registration on August 8, 2025. Constables Ravi Sen and Sumit Kumar spearheaded the probe, uncovering a complex web of bank accounts linked to single mobile numbers and coordinated withdrawals.

The operation was closely monitored in real time from a Cyber Control Room at Jhalawar Police Headquarters, preventing evidence tampering and ensuring smooth coordination. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), supported by a four-member State Bank of India team, traced the money trail and helped map the syndicate’s nationwide network.

SP Budaniya lauded the team’s dedication and reiterated that the informant’s identity remains strictly confidential, emphasizing that citizen vigilance played a pivotal role in exposing one of Rajasthan’s largest cyber fraud operations.