Police Bust ATM Fraud Gang, Intensify Crackdown on Drug Network in Ladakh

Описание: Police Bust ATM Fraud Gang, Intensify Crackdown on Drug Network in Ladakh

Leh: Ladakh Police, during a press conference, revealed major breakthroughs in ATM fraud and drug trafficking cases, highlighting intensified efforts to curb organised crime and narcotics in the region.

Police said that on May 13, a complaint was received from the custodian of J&K Bank regarding damage to ATMs and fraudulent withdrawal of money. Acting swiftly, police registered an FIR and constituted a specialised team led by senior officers and sub-inspectors.

Three accused Shivam Kumar from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, Arjun from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, and Monty were arrested. Police recovered 21 ATM cards and two motorcycles with tampered number plates used by the gang to avoid identification.

According to police, the gang used an adhesive substance inside ATM machines, causing customers’ cards to malfunction. The accused would then approach victims pretending to help, swap the cards with fake ones, observe PIN numbers, and later withdraw money fraudulently.

Police said one victim lost ₹40,000 after the card was stolen and money withdrawn in Leh and Kargil, while another fraudulent transaction involving ₹40,000 targeted a woman in Chuchot Gongma. So far, around ₹12,000 has been confirmed stolen through such frauds.

Authorities stated that around 30 ATMs were damaged in Jammu Division, 20 in Kashmir, six in Kargil and 10 in Leh. Several FIRs were already registered against the accused in different police stations, indicating repeated criminal involvement.

Police urged the public, especially elderly citizens, to remain vigilant while using ATMs and advised people not to hand over cards or disclose PIN numbers to strangers.

During the press conference, police also highlighted their intensified anti-drug campaign under a zero-tolerance policy. Officials said 12 NDPS FIRs have been registered so far this year, compared to eight cases last year.

Police revealed that on April 14, a major heroin seizure of 6.88 grams was made, while another recent operation led to the recovery of 184 grams of heroin from a vehicle on the Manali route. Investigations uncovered a wider network operating between Delhi, Chandigarh and Ladakh.

Officials said several accused, including locals and outsiders, were arrested for drug supply and trafficking. Police are investigating both backward and forward linkages to dismantle the entire supply chain.

Police appealed to families to seek timely medical and counselling support if they suspect drug involvement among relatives and stressed that drug users are victims needing rehabilitation, while suppliers and dealers are the real criminals.

The department also stated that robbery and theft cases have declined due to strict naka checking and surveillance across strategic entry routes into Ladakh, including the Srinagar, Manali and air routes. Regular checking is being conducted at Minabagh, Sarchu and other vulnerable points to prevent drug inflow and criminal activities.

Police further urged the public to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities and reiterated their commitment towards maintaining law and order, road safety and a drug-free Ladakh.