Punjab Police bust fake mining website scam, accused arrested
PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Police have arrested a key accused in a fraudulent scheme involving a fake mining department website that caused an estimated loss of Rs 50 lakh to the state treasury. The State Cyber Crime Division has apprehended the main suspect, identified as Gaurav Kumar.
DGP, Punjab Gaurav Yadav confirmed the development via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the police are conducting a thorough investigation, and further revelations are expected during interrogation.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has been hearing cases related to illegal mining in Punjab for some time. During a hearing on January 22, the mining department informed the court that it had taken stringent measures to curb illegal mining. However, it was revealed that fraudsters had created a fake website resembling the official one and were illegally issuing mining permits.
Following the revelation, the State Cyber Cell registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter.
The investigation uncovered a well-planned operation wherein the accused, in collusion with a mining businessman, manipulated security checks by generating QR codes and barcodes. Over 2,000 fake receipts were issued, causing a financial loss of Rs 40–50 lakh to the state's revenue.
The authorities have seized fake receipts, photographs of vehicles involved, details of mining material sources and destinations, and computers used in the crime. Efforts are underway to retrieve backup data from the fraudulent website. The police are actively working to dismantle the entire network involved in this scam.
- PTC NEWS
