Dehradun – In a joint operation, the Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) collaborated with local police to shut down a suspected illicit call centre located on GMS Road. Officials said the ring relied on a 32‑slot SIM box to route calls through personal mobile numbers, sidestepping the legally prescribed 1600‑series hotline.

Seizure at Singh Asset Recon Services

The bust was carried out at the offices of SINGH ASSET RECON SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED (SARS). Among the items confiscated were a DINSTAR 32‑slot SIM box, a stack of 45 SIM cards, a laptop, two routers, two ATM cards and various other electronic accessories.

Customer data uncovered

Forensic examination of the seized laptop revealed files that appear to contain details of credit‑card customers from multiple banks, including SBI, Bank of Baroda, Axis Bank, Poonawalla Finance, Yes Bank and RBL Bank. Investigators are currently tracing the source and intended misuse of this data.

Method of call placement

According to statements from the detainees, agents posed as representatives of credit‑card companies, promoting offers and urging immediate deposits. In several cases, callers allegedly used pressure tactics, threats or intimidation to force victims into revealing confidential information or sending money.

The scheme did not employ the authorized 1600‑series numbers. Instead, each call was funneled through a personal mobile handset, a maneuver made possible by the confiscated SIM box, which conceals the true origin of the call.

Staffing and remuneration

Authorities found roughly 39 young men and women working on the floor, all compensated on a commission basis for generating "appointments" or closing "sales" over the phone.

Two senior officials of the firm were taken into custody: company manager Laxman Prasad and regional manager Jagmohan Singh Rawat. A case has been lodged at Dehradun’s Cyber Crime Police Station under Crime No. 49/2026. The prosecution is invoking provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act and the Telecommunications Act.

Continuing investigation

Investigators are still analyzing the seized equipment, call logs and customer records to determine the full extent of the operation and to identify any additional participants.