On the morning of May 13, 2025, India woke up to news of an unprecedented police operation that spanned the length and breadth of the country. The Uttarakhand Special Task Force, under the direction of DGP Shri Deepam Seth and leadership of SSP STF Shri Navneet Bhullar, executed “Operation Prahar” planned offensive targeting cybercriminals operating across 17 states including Delhi-NCR, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
This marked the first time in Indian law enforcement history that such a simultaneous action against cybercrime was carried out from a single state’s command. A total of 23 specialised teams, including I4C-trained Cyber Commandos, were deployed nationwide to identify, confront, and act against suspects accused of online fraud, digital impersonation, and financial cyber scams.
High-Impact Outcomes: Arrests, Warrants, and Nationwide Notices
Over the course of 42 days, the STF teams, operating from cybercrime police stations in Dehradun and Rudrapur, coordinated with local law enforcement and cybercrime units. Their work led to the following key outcomes:
65 accused arrested or processed under legal action.
52 cybercriminals previously absconding were traced and served notices.
30 fugitives had notices pasted on residences after fleeing to avoid arrest.
7 cybercriminals already in jail were issued B-warrants, and 6 more were served non-bailable warrants.
225 fraudulent bank accounts and mobile numbers obtained through fake documentation were identified and shared with local police.
A total of 290+ suspects were either booked, warned, or placed under scrutiny.
In one case, the STF even discovered that one identified cybercriminal had passed away, reflecting the deep penetration and comprehensive intelligence gathering involved.
State-Wise Crackdown: A Snapshot
Each team reported significant action. Highlights include:
Delhi NCR: Action against 44 accused, major focus on OTP and loan frauds.
Telangana: 6 accused booked for fake call centres and OTP scams.
Uttar Pradesh: 33 individuals targeted for QR code and digital loan fraud.
Karnataka: 15 caught in connection with crypto scams and fake tech support.
Tamil Nadu & Kerala: 34 accused involved in digital payment frauds.
West Bengal: 33 under scanner for bank fraud and scam call centres.
Rajasthan: 31 suspects involved in fake websites and UPI scams.
The STF deployed officers such as SI Kuldeep Tamta, Addl SI Mukesh, and others to carry out targeted interventions in states with high digital crime footprints.
Obstacles on the Frontlines
Despite the thorough planning, “Operation Prahar” was not without challenges:
Language Barriers: Communicating across regions speaking Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi slowed coordination.
Geographical Hurdles: Remote and densely populated areas proved difficult to access.
Cultural Differences: Regional habits and lifestyles posed initial coordination gaps.
Fake Identities: Widespread use of false documents delayed verification of suspects.
Local Resistance: In some regions, STF teams encountered hostility or support networks protecting the accused.
Nonetheless, STF teams pushed through these obstacles, showcasing resilience and adaptability in high-pressure operations across varied terrains.
A Message to Cyber Offenders: You’re No Longer Safe
The operation not only highlighted Uttarakhand Police’s leadership in cyber law enforcement but also sent a resounding message to fraudsters across India. With tools, coordination, and intelligence improving rapidly, no digital scammer is out of reach.
Speaking after the operation, SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar congratulated his teams for venturing deep into unfamiliar territories and executing the crackdown successfully under complex and hostile conditions.
CO Cyber STF, Ankush Mishra, who designed the strategy, reinforced that
“Operation Prahar is not a one-time sweep—it marks the beginning of a susta
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ined war on digital crime.”
As teams remain active in the field, Phase 2 of the operation is expected soon.
