In a significant development, police in Uttar Pradesh have taken a strong step against cybercrime by applying the Gangsters Act to a cyber fraud syndicate for the first time. The case was registered at the cybercrime police station in Auraiya, highlighting the growing seriousness of organised digital fraud.
Authorities filed a case under section 3(1) of the Gangsters Act against 4 accused linked to an inter-state and inter-district cybercrime network. Officials stated that the use of this law reflects the organised and repeated nature of the crimes.
Investigations revealed that the accused operated a structured racket using fake digital identities, forged documents, and coordinated fraud activities across multiple states. The group allegedly created fake Facebook pages that mimicked government schemes. Victims were lured with promises of financial benefits and asked to submit documents online. The accused then demanded money as “registration fees and processing charges.”
The 4 accused have been identified as Shiv Pratap (27), Jitendra (31), Rahul (29), and Tinku (28).
Data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) shows that at least 20 complaints were filed against the group, with total fraud amounting to Rs 10 lakh. Officials confirmed that the accused were earlier booked in 2025 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act.
A chargesheet in the case was filed in court on March 14, 2026. The fresh Gangsters Act charges have now been added due to their continued involvement in organised cyber fraud activities.
Calling it a landmark step, Rajeev Krishna said, “Auraiya police’s action of imposing Gangster Act on seven members of criminal gangs demonstrates that whether a criminal operates on the street or behind a screen, the law will reach them. Such action will serve as a powerful deterrent for cyber criminals, and reaffirm the confidence of citizens that their safety — in both the physical and digital world — is our foremost priority.”
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