Jadugora Emerges as Jharkhand’s New Cyber Crime Hub

Multi-State Crackdown Exposes Organized Fraud Network; 14 Arrested So Far

Jamshedpur: Jadugora in East Singhbhum district has rapidly emerged as a major center of organized cyber fraud, earning comparisons with Jharkhand’s notorious cybercrime hub, Jamtara. Law enforcement agencies from multiple states have launched an extensive crackdown on the network, resulting in the arrest of 14 alleged cyber criminals.

Investigators believe the syndicate has been operating a sophisticated network of financial fraud, targeting victims across the country through fraudulent calls, cloned SIM cards, and fake banking operations.

Security agencies have expressed concern over the rapid expansion of cybercrime activities in the Jadugora region. Officials warn that unless strong preventive measures, digital awareness campaigns, and sustained enforcement actions are implemented, the area could emerge as Jharkhand’s next major cybercrime hotspot.

The ongoing investigation remains one of the largest cybercrime crackdowns in East Singhbhum in recent years.

₹1.25 Crore Fraud Targeted UCIL Officials

One of the most significant cases linked to the network involved the fraudulent withdrawal of approximately ₹1.25 crore from bank accounts belonging to senior officials of Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL). The incident triggered an intensive investigation, drawing the attention of cybercrime units from several states.

Authorities have identified Jadugora, Kokda, Ichra, Rakha Mines, and Navrang Market as the primary operational hubs of the cyber fraud syndicates.

Hundreds of Mobile Numbers and SIM Cards Under Scanner

According to an audit conducted between 2023 and 2025, investigators have identified 197 suspicious mobile numbers that are currently under active surveillance.

The probe has also uncovered the use of 1,432 cloned or fraudulent SIM cards allegedly deployed by cyber criminals to carry out financial scams and evade detection by authorities.

More Than 76 Bank Accounts Frozen

As part of the ongoing crackdown, authorities have frozen more than 76 bank accounts suspected of being linked to cyber fraud activities.

The frozen accounts include:

• 22 accounts in Bank of India
  • 18 accounts in State Bank of India
  • 14 accounts in Bank of Baroda
  • More than 22 accounts in other banks

Officials believe these accounts were used to receive, transfer, and launder money obtained through fraudulent transactions.

Sudden Rise of Local Kingpin Raises Suspicion

Investigators have identified Raj Bhakat of Ichra village as the alleged mastermind behind the local cyber fraud network. According to police sources, his family was previously engaged in a modest business dealing in flour, maida, and grocery products.

However, authorities observed a rapid and unusual increase in the family’s wealth after their alleged involvement in digital fraud operations, prompting closer scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.

Unemployed Youths Lured with Luxury Lifestyle

The investigation has revealed that the syndicate allegedly recruited unemployed local youths by offering quick financial gains, expensive sports motorcycles, branded gadgets, and luxury trips to cities such as Kolkata.

Police officials believe this strategy helped expand the network and create a steady supply of operatives for various cyber fraud activities.

Delhi Police Cyber Cell Leads Tactical Operations

Following months of technical surveillance and financial tracking, the Delhi Police Cyber Cell conducted a series of targeted raids in the region. The operations led to the arrest of several key suspects, including Rohit Bhakat, Malay Bhakat, Santosh Bhakat, Kiran Bhakat, and Ratnakar Bhakat.

Authorities indicated that further arrests are likely as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and financial links.