A coordinated multi-state operation led by Assam Police has successfully dismantled a sophisticated network involved in using fake SIM cards for cyber crimes and anti-national activities, including intelligence gathering for Pakistan-based operatives.
Codenamed “Operation GHOST SIM,” the joint action was executed simultaneously across two districts in Assam, one district in Telangana, and two districts in Rajasthan following intelligence provided by Gajraj Military Intelligence and further developed by the Special Branch and Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police.
The operation came after strategic deliberations with military intelligence units and was formalized on May 14, 2025, when a case was registered at STF Assam under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and the Information Technology Act.
“Actionable information was received from Gajraj Military Intelligence about a racket involving fake SIM cards being used from bases in Assam, Rajasthan, and Telangana for cyber crimes and other anti-national activities including sensitive information gathering by agents sitting in Pakistan,” according to the official statement.
The operation was launched on the afternoon of May 16, 2025, with teams dispatched to Rajasthan and Telangana, while dedicated action teams focused on Dhubri and Morigaon districts in Assam. Seven individuals were arrested from various locations:
- Saddik (47) from Bela, Police Station Sikri, Bharatpur District, Rajasthan
- Arif Khan (20) from Sahodi Ka Bar, Sahori Alwar, Rajasthan
- Sajid (21) from Sahodi Ka Bar, Sahori, Akbarpur Police Station, Alwar, Rajasthan
- Akeek (25) from Rojki, Bharatpur District, Rajasthan, apprehended at Guwahati airport
- Arsad Khan (34) from Pendka, Nagar Police Station, Bharatpur District, Rajasthan, arrested at New Delhi airport
- Mofijul Islam (19) from Kathaldi, Bilasipara Police Station, Dhubri District, Assam, arrested in Gollapally, Kondapur Police Station, Sangareddy District, Telangana
- Jakariya Ahmad (24) from Sagunmari, Bilasipara Police Station, Assam
In addition to these arrests, authorities have detained 14 more individuals from various locations in Dhubri district of Assam. Officials stated that “necessary lawful action will be taken after proper interrogation” of these suspects.
The operation led to the recovery of 948 SIM cards and various technical devices allegedly used in the commission of cyber crimes and information gathering activities.
The registration of the case under Section 18 of the UA(P) Act suggests that authorities view this operation as addressing terrorism-related offenses, indicating the serious nature of the network’s activities. The involvement of UAPA charges points to potential threats to national security.