GUWHATAI: Assam Police has arrested around 330 alleged fraudsters across the state in a major crackdown on individuals accused of impersonating advocates, police officials and people close to senior police officers to deceive or threaten victims and accused persons near police stations.
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The statewide operation was launched around 3 AM following surveillance carried out over the past several days and was still underway, Assam Director General of Police Harmeet Singh said on Saturday, September 5.
The alleged fraudsters reportedly approached people visiting police stations and claimed they could influence police proceedings, settle cases or resolve grievances in exchange for money. Police said the suspects targeted both complainants and accused persons by offering to “manage the police” or arrange favourable outcomes in ongoing cases.
“These fraudsters impersonate as advocates, police officials, or close to top police officials and try to lure or threaten people (victims/accused) coming to police stations. They claim that they will help people settle their cases and grievances,” the DGP told the media at Assam Police headquarters.
According to Singh, the crackdown was initiated following the direction of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, with the police aiming to eliminate such fraudulent activities across the state.
Police suspect that some of those involved used digital platforms and mule SIM cards to contact potential victims and carry out their operations. Authorities are also monitoring networks that may be operating from outside Assam.
Cachar district has recorded the highest number of arrests in the ongoing operation, the DGP said.
In Guwahati, two alleged fraudsters have been arrested so far. No arrests had been reported from areas including Sadiya and Majuli at the time of the briefing.
The Assam Police said the crackdown will continue across the state as part of efforts to identify and dismantle networks involved in impersonation, fraud and attempts to influence police proceedings.