Assam Police Detain 330 in Statewide Crackdown on Fraud and Extortion

In a coordinated pre-dawn operation, Assam Police detained approximately 330 individuals suspected of involvement in fraud, extortion, and impersonation across the state. The action, which began around 3 am on Saturday, was still in progress when Director General of Police Harmeet Singh briefed the media in Guwahati.

The crackdown followed an extended period of intelligence gathering focused on scammers who allegedly posed as police officers or government officials to threaten and extort money from victims. Investigators also found that some suspects approached people connected to active police cases, offering to resolve matters in exchange for payment.

Police relied on technical inputs, including data linked to mobile phones and digital communication platforms, to trace the suspects. The DGP noted that the evidence points to organised groups operating within the state. Some of those detained reportedly posed as lawyers, while others claimed to be police or government officials.

"There were cases where individuals used the names of government departments and officials to gain people's confidence and extract money," Singh said. Authorities are also examining allegations of extortion and attempts to discourage people from approaching police stations by promising to settle their cases.

Singh clarified that the detainees would not be treated as a single group. "The detained individuals would be dealt with on the basis of the specific allegations and evidence available in each case," he said. Verification and legal procedures were continuing across districts on Saturday, with a detailed district-wise count expected once the operation concludes.