In a coordinated operation between the Ranchi and Odisha police, five SIM boxes were seized from Maulana Azad Colony in Namkum, Ranchi. These devices, which were smuggled from Bangladesh, were reportedly brought to India by Asdur Zaman, a Bangladeshi national.
The SIM boxes were initially set up in Odisha before being transported to Ranchi. They were covertly set up in Maulana Azad Colony, an area known for its narrow streets and high foot traffic due to its proximity to the local bus stand. This strategic location, frequented by thousands of commuters daily, has made tracing calls through these SIM boxes particularly challenging for authorities.
Cyber expert Rahul Kumar provided insights into the case, explaining that SIM boxes are mass-produced in China but are illicitly transported to Bangladesh and Pakistan before being smuggled into India. This development poses significant economic and security risks. SIM boxes, which can house multiple SIM cards simultaneously, are designed to alter the nature of telecommunications. The connection to Bangladesh further exacerbates the security threat, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The Odisha Police are currently probing the Bangladesh connection in the SIM box case, including whether these devices were being used to contact Bangladeshi infiltrators. Investigators are also examining whether the SIM boxes were solely intended for call transfer or if there is a deeper conspiracy involved.
Previously, in December 2018, SIM boxes were recovered from Kantatoli in the Lower Bazar police station area and from Chandni Chowk in the Namkum police station area of Ranchi. These devices were found to be operating as a call centre.
Ranchi SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha provided an update on the case, stating that the investigation is currently focused on the Ranchi connection. Legal actions will be pursued based on the findings. The international ties of the SIM box operation have been particularly startling, and the full extent of the case will become clearer as the investigation progresses.
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