Gang operated nationwide through fake social media ads and online gaming apps — ₹50 crore transactions traced in major cyber crackdown
Published on: October 27, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In a major breakthrough against cybercrime, Khairagarh Police have busted an inter-state cyber fraud network operating out of Dombivli and Kalyan areas in Maharashtra. The gang, which defrauded people across India through fake social media advertisements and online gaming applications, has been dismantled following a week-long police operation.
A total of eight accused, including the mastermind, have been arrested. Police seized a massive haul of electronic gadgets and financial documents — 5 laptops, 14 Android phones, 51 bank passbooks, 51 ATM cards, 15 chequebooks, and 25 SIM cards — from their possession.
Investigations revealed that the group used over 100 fake SIM cards and bank accounts to carry out online transactions exceeding ₹50 crore. The operation was led by the Special Cyber Cell under the direction of the Inspector General of Police, Rajnandgaon Range, and the Superintendent of Police, Khairagarh.
For seven consecutive days, the team camped in Mumbai, conducting technical surveillance and reconnaissance, before raiding two flats in Dombivli. The accused were found managing fraudulent betting and gaming platforms, including the notorious app “100 Book”, used to lure victims under the guise of online earnings.
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The case came to light following a complaint by a student of Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh, who was duped through a fake Instagram advertisement for a “Chikankari Saree.” Technical analysis of IP addresses, phone numbers, and bank trails helped the police trace the gang’s digital footprint, leading to their capture.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
Gautam Paramanand Punjabi (23), Pawan Baban Suruse (25), Vinayak Rameshwar More (24), Amit Rameshwar More (25), Ramchandra Janardan Chauke (21), Amol Santosh Diwanane (24), Abhishek Santosh Dumbade (24) — all residents of various parts of Akola and Jalgaon districts in Maharashtra — and Manoj Mukhia (29) from Madhubani, Bihar.
The accused have been brought to Khairagarh on transit remand, and further investigation is underway under sections related to organized crime and the Gambling Act. Police officials confirmed that all accused will be produced before the court on judicial remand.
This successful operation marks a significant milestone in Chhattisgarh’s cyber policing efforts, exposing how interstate digital fraud networks exploit social media and gaming platforms to deceive the public.
