The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) and Cyber Police have uncovered a large-scale SIM card fraud in Pithoragarh district bordering Nepal. Accused Raghuveer Singh Karki, owner of a mobile shop in Berinag, activated hundreds of SIM cards using Aadhaar and documents of innocent villagers.
The SIMs were then sold illegally across the Nepal border, raising serious security concerns. To make the activations appear genuine, each SIM was used to make 30-minute calls before going silent. Later, many numbers were ported to othertelecom companies, earning extra commission and making them harder to track.
During the raid, officials seized 748 pre-activated Vodafone Idea SIM cards, 12 Aadhaar cards, 5 mobile phones, and other documents.
The case has been registered under the Telecommunication Act 2023 and the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay alert, check how many SIM cards are active on their Aadhaar via Sanchar Saathi or TAFCOP, and immediately report suspicious offers or misuse.
This operation highlights the need for stronger vigilance in border areas to stop SIM fraud, cybercrime, and possible anti-national activities. If you suspect fraud, contact the cyber helpline at 1930 without delay.
