Cop Turned Conman: Jammu Police Crack ATM Fraud Racket, Arrest Serving Policeman Duping Innocents.
||Black and White Digital News||
||Parvinder Singh December 09,2024 ||
Jammu :In a shocking revelation that has left the citizens of Jammu stunned, the Jammu Police have arrested a serving police official who masterminded a fraudulent scheme to dupe innocent citizens through ATM card swaps. The accused, identified as Pardeep Singh Thakur, hailing from Shankli, Tehsil Desa in Doda district, and currently residing at Resham Ghar Colony, Bakshi Nagar, was apprehended after an intensive investigation. The operation led to the recovery of ₹2,02,200 in cash, five ATM cards, and the bike used in carrying out the crimes.
The Scam Unraveled:
The fraudulent activities came to light after Prem Nath Raina, an elderly resident of Barnai, reported to Police Post Chinore that someone had dishonestly used his ATM card to withdraw a large sum from his bank account. Acting swiftly, an FIR (No. 203/2024) was registered at Police Station Domana under Section 318(4) of the BNS Act.
The matter deepened as more complaints poured in, resulting in additional FIRs being registered:
FIR No. 258/2024
FIR No. 280/2024
FIR No. 281/2024
FIR No. 282/2024
The accused’s modus operandi was both calculated and deceptive. He targeted elderly citizens and individuals unfamiliar with ATM operations, gaining their trust by posing as a helpful bystander. Under the pretext of assisting them, he would note their PINs, swap their cards with similar-looking ones, and later withdraw money from their accounts. To circumvent daily withdrawal limits, he used the stolen cards at petrol pumps, often with the connivance of employees there.
A Web of Deception:
The investigation revealed that two petrol pump employees were complicit in the scam, aiding Pardeep in swapping cards and sharing in the fraudulent proceeds. Their arrest marks a significant breakthrough, and the police anticipate further recoveries and additional suspects coming to light.
Swift Justice and Diligent Policing:
The success of the operation is credited to the coordinated efforts of the in-charge Police Post Chinore Sugreev Sharma, SHO Domana, Rajeshwar Singh, SDPO Domana Mudassar Hussain KPS , all under the close supervision of SP Rural Jammu, Brijesh Sharma. Their meticulous analysis of CCTV footage, technical scrutiny, and intelligence gathering ensured the scam was dismantled.
These arrests have resolved all five FIRs registered in connection with the case at Police Station Domana, bringing justice to the victims and restoring public confidence.
A Public Advisory from Jammu Police:
In the wake of this scam, the Jammu Police have issued an advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant while using ATMs:
1. Ensure privacy while withdrawing money; do not allow strangers inside the ATM cabin.
2. Never share your ATM PIN with anyone.
3. Avoid writing down your ATM PIN on the card.
4. Refrain from handing over your ATM card to strangers for assistance.
The Jammu Police remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting citizens and bringing perpetrators of financial crimes to justice. This case serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution and underscores the vigilance of the law enforcement agencies in tackling such fraud.
