Guwahati, September 5: In one of the largest coordinated anti-fraud operations in recent years, Assam Police arrested nearly 330 suspected fraudsters, touts, impersonators and middlemen across 29 districts within nine hours on Saturday. The statewide drive, which began at 3 a.m., was launched on the direct instructions of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to dismantle networks that have been preying on vulnerable citizens through deception, threats and false promises.
Director General of Police Harmeet Singh, briefing the media at Assam Police Headquarters in Ulubari, said technical analysis of digital links had enabled police to zero in on the suspects with precision. “We could trace digital links through technical analysis and since 3 a.m. on Saturday, the operation has started where, till now, almost 330 have been identified and caught. Cachar remains at the top among all the districts to record maximum arrests under the operation,” Singh stated.
Cachar emerged as the epicentre of the crackdown, with police detaining 39 suspected fraudsters in a special local drive. Many of those held in the district were allegedly involved in cyber-enabled financial scams, using calls and messages while posing as bank officials, government representatives or payment platform agents to extract money or sensitive information. Other districts also reported significant numbers, including Lakhimpur (15), Nagarbera (13), Bongaigaon and Goroimari (10 each), and multiple arrests in Morigaon, Dhubri, Goalpara and elsewhere. In the Boko–Chhaygaon co-district area of Kamrup alone, 33 people were arrested for allegedly running an organised racket near police stations and outposts.
The alleged modus operandi of the networks was multi-layered and sophisticated. Many of the accused reportedly loitered around police stations, approaching complainants and distressed citizens with offers to “fast-track” cases, influence investigations or settle legal matters in exchange for money. Others impersonated DSPs, officers-in-charge, advocates and government officials over phone calls, issuing threats or promising resolutions. Some induced victims to pay by claiming they could resolve pending police cases, while a section was also found dealing in stolen goods. Digital trails further revealed that several suspects were operating from outside Assam, including Hyderabad and Bengaluru, and police said efforts were underway to bring them into custody.
Singh emphasised that the operation was not a one-off action but part of a sustained campaign. “We will root out fraudsters, touts from the state,” he declared, noting that the police had been monitoring such individuals for days. In a striking admission, the DGP revealed that he himself had received calls from fraudsters, as his phone number is publicly available. The crackdown remains ongoing, with further arrests expected as investigations deepen and more digital leads are pursued.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious calls, messages and unsolicited offers of help near police stations or government offices. Citizens are advised not to share personal or financial details with unknown callers and to report any such attempts immediately to the police.