Engineering and infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced plans to invest ₹5,000 crore in a new electronics business aimed at expanding India’s capabilities in advanced hardware manufacturing.

The strategic initiative will focus on developing high-value electronic systems for sectors including defense, energy, industrial automation, automotive technology, and infrastructure. The company aims to build a strong position in a growing electronics market estimated to have a total addressable opportunity of around $4.85 billion.

Moving Beyond Traditional Engineering Operations

The expansion represents a major step in L&T’s transition from its traditional engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) business toward technology-driven manufacturing.

The company plans to use its engineering expertise and industrial experience to develop end-to-end capabilities covering electronic system design, precision manufacturing, testing, and system integration.

The new business is expected to serve both Indian customers and international markets, supporting demand for locally developed and manufactured electronic solutions.

Focus on Defense, Energy and Industrial Electronics

Rather than competing in low-margin consumer electronics, L&T’s new venture will concentrate on specialized, high-reliability systems.

Key focus areas are expected to include:

• Power electronics systems
• Renewable energy control solutions
• Industrial automation equipment
• Defense and aerospace electronics
• Smart grid technologies
• Advanced embedded systems

The initiative aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen domestic electronics production and reduce dependence on imported hardware through government programs, including Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.

Investment to Support Manufacturing and Research

L&T plans to deploy the ₹5,000 crore investment in phases to establish advanced manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and testing infrastructure.

The company is also expected to explore technology partnerships and strategic acquisitions to expand its capabilities and accelerate product development.

By building a complete electronics ecosystem, L&T aims to compete in sectors where reliability, security, and specialized engineering expertise are critical.

India Benefits From Global Supply Chain Shift

The expansion comes as global companies continue diversifying their supply chains under the “China Plus One” strategy, creating new opportunities for India’s electronics manufacturing sector.

Growing demand for electric vehicle components, renewable energy systems, industrial automation, and smart infrastructure is expected to drive long-term growth in locally produced electronic components and systems.

Industry observers view L&T’s move as a significant investment in India’s advanced manufacturing ambitions. The company joins other major Indian corporations expanding into areas such as electronics manufacturing, semiconductor-related industries, and technology hardware.

Strengthening Domestic Technology Capabilities

L&T’s electronics business is expected to contribute to India’s broader goal of developing a stronger domestic hardware ecosystem.

By combining engineering capabilities with advanced manufacturing, the company aims to create solutions for critical industrial and national security applications while reducing reliance on imported electronic systems.

Hyderabad, July 27, 2026: Hyderabad City Police have cautioned citizens to remain vigilant against cybercriminals attempting to exploit applicants under the government’s Indiramma Towers housing scheme. The warning comes as beneficiaries begin paying the ₹10,000 Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), a stage that authorities believe could become a target for online fraudsters using fake communications and deceptive payment requests.

Police Warn Against Fraudulent House Allotment Claims

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said the housing allotment process is conducted through an official and transparent system, leaving no scope for brokers, agents, or middlemen. He advised applicants to ignore anyone claiming they can secure a house allotment in exchange for money or special favors.

Officials also warned that scammers may attempt to pressure beneficiaries by sending messages alleging that immediate payments are required to avoid cancellation of their applications. Such tactics are commonly used to create panic and trick victims into transferring funds without verifying the authenticity of the request.

The Commissioner clarified that the ₹10,000 Earnest Money Deposit remains protected throughout the process. Applicants who are not allotted a house will receive a refund directly into the same bank account used to make the payment.

Fake Websites and Malicious Apps Pose Major Threat

The advisory highlights the growing risk of cybercriminals distributing fraudulent links through WhatsApp messages, SMS, and other digital platforms. Beneficiaries have been urged not to open unknown links or install APK files from unofficial sources, as these may compromise mobile devices and expose sensitive banking information.

Police also cautioned that fraudsters may create counterfeit websites designed to closely resemble official government portals. In addition, victims could be persuaded to download screen-sharing applications such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer, enabling criminals to gain unauthorized access to personal information and online banking sessions.

Authorities emphasized that a UPI PIN is required only when making a payment and should never be shared to receive a refund. Citizens have also been advised not to disclose Aadhaar details, bank account information, one-time passwords (OTPs), or other confidential credentials to unknown individuals.

Official Helpline Available for Verification

To help applicants verify information related to the Indiramma Towers scheme, the government has established a dedicated helpline at 040-24603572. Police urged beneficiaries to rely only on official communication channels before making payments or responding to requests for personal information.

Anyone who suspects cyber fraud or falls victim to an online scam has been advised to immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Prompt reporting can improve the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and minimizing financial losses.

Authorities continue to encourage the public to stay alert and verify every communication related to government welfare schemes to avoid becoming targets of cyber fraud.

Mumbai, July 27, 2026: Mumbai Cyber Police have initiated legal action against a telecom point-of-sale (POS) operator accused of supplying fraudulently activated SIM cards to cybercriminal networks. Investigators allege that the operator used forged or misused identity documents to obtain mobile connections, which were later circulated among organized cyber fraud groups operating across multiple states.

FIR Registered Following Cyber Fraud Investigation

The West Region Cyber Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) on July 21 after examining several cybercrime cases linked to suspicious mobile numbers. According to investigators, the accused, identified as Prathamesh Chorat, allegedly activated SIM cards using identity documents belonging to unsuspecting individuals between January 2025 and May 2026.

Authorities believe many of these documents may have originally been submitted by citizens for legitimate purposes such as banking or other verification processes before being misused to obtain unauthorized mobile connections.

‘Ghost SIMs’ Allegedly Used in Financial Scams

Police say the illegally activated mobile connections, commonly referred to as “ghost SIMs,” are frequently exploited by cybercriminals to conceal their identities while carrying out online fraud. These SIM cards are allegedly used to contact victims, bypass verification procedures, operate fraudulent bank accounts, and facilitate digital financial crimes.

Investigators stated that fraudsters used these numbers to communicate with potential victims through online platforms, gain their trust through deceptive tactics or intimidation, and ultimately persuade them to transfer money into multiple bank accounts controlled by criminal networks.

NCRP Database Helped Identify Suspected Links

The investigation was supported by data collected through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and information provided by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Officials analyzed records of cyber fraud complaints, including mobile numbers, bank accounts, and transaction details reported through the national cybercrime helpline and online complaint system. During the review, investigators reportedly discovered that several mobile numbers connected to cybercrime cases had been issued by specific telecom point-of-sale operators in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Further verification with telecom service providers allegedly linked multiple suspicious SIM cards to the accused operator. Police also found complaints associated with these numbers from Maharashtra and West Bengal, indicating a wider geographical spread of the suspected operation.

Probe Suggests Organized Cybercrime Network

According to the FIR, organized cybercrime syndicates allegedly employ field agents to collect bank accounts and SIM cards registered in the names of unsuspecting individuals from different parts of the country. These resources are then reportedly used to facilitate various forms of online financial fraud, including investment scams, stock market frauds, digital arrest scams, and other cyber-enabled crimes.

Investigators suspect that the accused supplied multiple mule SIM cards to these criminal groups during the period under investigation. Authorities are now working to identify other individuals involved in the network, including those responsible for collecting identity documents, arranging bank accounts, and distributing illegally obtained mobile connections.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are examining whether additional operators or intermediaries were involved in the alleged racket.c