Crime Branch takes 3 accused in Dhenkanal pre-activated SIM card seizure

The Crime Branch team today took the three accused in the Dhenkanal pre-activated SIM cards seizure case on a five-day remand beginning today and further investigation in the matter is underway, informed Crime Branch ADG Sanjeev Panda.

The accused persons taken on remand include prime accused Dushmant, Panda added.

He further informed that notices have been served to the chiefs of service providers-BSNL and Jio at Dhenkanal and Bhubaneswar-based Commercial Manager of Vodafone for interrogation in connection with the case.

Since the majority of the pre-activated SIM cards seized from the accused belonged to the three service providers-BSNL, JIO and Vodafone, hence notices have been served to these service providers, he added.

“This apart, we have issued letters to all SPs to gather intelligence inputs on SIM card sellers of various service provider companies in their respective areas and conduct raids on those selling or keeping fraud SIM Cards,” the Crime Branch ADG said.

Panda informed that prime accused Dushmanta was transacting through seven bank accounts in the name of his family members including his father and brother.

This apart, Dushmant also had three Paytm accounts, he added.

“We have details of his two Paytm accounts. He has received about Rs 30 lakh through these accounts. We will further investigate to get the details of other members of the ‘Buyer Seller OTP group’. We are anticipating the involvement of more persons,” Panda revealed. Ommcom News