Gujarat woman arrested by Pathanamthitta Cyber Police in data leak scam worth lakhs

Pathanamthitta: A woman has been arrested in a major online scam involving the theft of individuals’ personal data and its misuse for financial gain. The second accused in the case, Hiralben Anuj Patel (37) from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, was arrested by the Pathanamthitta Cyber Police from Ahmedabad.

Earlier, the first accused, Joel V Jose (23) from Adoor, had been arrested on October 31.

According to police sources, questioning Joel led investigators to the second accused. Joel allegedly promoted his illegal activities through social media. The accused are believed to have accessed and leaked private personal information, live mobile locations and call data records, earning lakhs of rupees through the scheme.

Authorities have seized laptops and other electronic equipment used in the operation. Police are now investigating whether more people were involved in the racket. A special investigation team has been constituted by Pathanamthitta District Police Chief R Anand to pursue the case further.

The arrest was made under the supervision of DySP Binu Varghese of the District Crime Records Bureau. The operation was carried out by Cyber Police Station Inspector B Sunil Krishnan, Sub-Inspector V I Asha, Senior Civil Police Officer M R Prasad and Civil Police Officer Safuramol.

The accused has been remanded by the Pathanamthitta Judicial First Class Magistrate Court.
Investigation kept secret; Central agencies join probe

Since the case reportedly involves offences that could impact national security, the investigation is being conducted under strict confidentiality. Police suspect that the accused gained unauthorised access to cybersecurity networks to steal sensitive data.

Authorities are also probing whether the stolen information was misused or sold through other channels. Central investigative agencies are said to be assisting in the probe. Initial findings indicate that the accused may have links with a private detective agency based in Hyderabad.