Patna-Based Cyber Fraud Ring Busted for Crores-Scale Gas Connection Scam Targeting Mumbai Residents

Patna/Mumbai: Law enforcement authorities have dismantled an interstate cyber fraud network operating from Bihar’s capital Patna that allegedly cheated victims out of crores of rupees by posing as gas service providers. Four suspects, including the alleged mastermind, were arrested during a police raid conducted at a rented apartment in the city.

Investigators say the group specifically targeted residents of Mumbai while running its operations from Patna for several months, exploiting online communication platforms and social engineering techniques to deceive victims.

Cyber Fraud Operation Run from Patna Apartment

According to police officials, the accused had been running the fraudulent operation for nearly five to six months from a flat in the New Jaganpura locality under the jurisdiction of Ramkrishna Nagar police station.

Based on a tip-off, a cybercrime investigation team raided the apartment and arrested four individuals identified as Shridhar, Gultan Yadav, Arun Mandal, and Pankaj Kumar.

Authorities believe Shridhar, a resident of Pune in Maharashtra, orchestrated the scheme. The other suspects — Gultan Yadav, Arun Mandal, and Pankaj Kumar — are reportedly from Madhupur in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district.

Police suspect the group deliberately operated from Patna while focusing on victims in other states, particularly Mumbai, to avoid drawing local attention to their activities.

How the Gas Connection Scam Worked

Preliminary investigations reveal that the gang impersonated representatives of gas distribution agencies. Victims were approached with offers to help with new gas connections, transfers of existing connections, or disconnection services.

In several cases, victims were informed that their gas service would soon be suspended unless they made an immediate payment. The urgency created by the fraudsters reportedly pressured many individuals into transferring money without verifying the legitimacy of the request.

Authorities believe dozens of people may have fallen victim to the scam, with the total amount defrauded estimated to be in the crores.

Telegram Used to Find and Contact Victims

Investigators revealed that the gang used messaging platforms, particularly Telegram, to locate and communicate with potential victims. The suspects reportedly operated multiple channels and groups advertising assistance related to gas services and customer support.

Once a victim responded to these posts, the accused would initiate conversations and convince them to send payments through bank transfers or digital payment platforms.

Police say the scammers relied heavily on urgency and impersonation tactics to build trust and quickly obtain money before victims realized the fraud.

18 Mobile Phones Seized as Evidence

During the raid, police recovered 18 mobile phones from the suspects. Authorities believe the devices may contain critical digital evidence, including communication logs, transaction details, and data related to other potential victims.

Forensic examination of the devices is currently underway to trace the financial trail, identify bank accounts used in the fraud, and determine whether additional accomplices were involved.

Investigators are also exploring possible links between this group and other cybercrime networks operating across different states.

Cybersecurity Experts Warn About Social Engineering Scams

Cybersecurity experts caution that such fraud schemes often rely on social engineering, where criminals manipulate victims by creating urgency or fear related to essential services.

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh explained that scammers frequently send alarming messages regarding services such as gas, electricity, banking, or KYC updates.

He advised citizens to verify any payment requests directly through official customer support channels or company websites before transferring money online.

Experts say confirming information through legitimate sources remains one of the most effective ways to prevent cyber fraud.