MULTIPLE CASES WORKED OUT ACROSS DELHI & U.P.

Strengthening the efforts under “OPERATION CY-HAWK”, the Central District has launched a district-wide drive. As part of this initiative, team of PS Karol Bagh, Central District, successfully busted an inter-state ATM card swapping gang involved in cheating innocent citizens by fraudulently exchanging their ATM cards and stealing money from their accounts.

On 17 November 2025, the complainant reported that on 31 October 2025, while she was withdrawing cash from the IDFC ATM on Arya Samaj Road in Karol Bagh, unknown persons deceitfully engaged her in conversation and misguided her while during ATM withdrawal and during this interaction, the criminals deceitfully swapped her real ATM card with a nearly identical one without her noticing. She later discovered that they had made unauthorized cash withdrawals amounting to rs. 36,500 and purchases from branded retail outlets using her card.

Accordingly, a case vide E-FIR No. 80109297/25 U/S 303(2)/3(5) BNS, was registered at PS Karol

Bagh. 

A special team led by Insp. Karuna Sagar, SHO/PS Karol Bagh, comprising SI Trilok Jha, Ct. Kamaljeet, Ct. Khushhal, Ct. Kuldeep and W/Ct. Meera was formed under the supervision of ACP/Karol Bagh.

The team analysed CCTV footage and technical data from around the ATM. Then, using the victim’s account statements, they determined where the accused had used her card for shopping. By cross-checking with the CCTV footage, the team identified all three suspects.

They conducted raids at multiple locations in North-East Delhi and successfully apprehended first accused Shahzad from Dayalpur. The team apprehended accused Arif and Mohammad Zaheem from Ghonda Extension. On their instance, 01 Axis Bank ATM card belonging to the complainant, 80 ATM cards of various banks which were fraudulently obtained from different victims, 01 motorcycle and 01 scooty used during the offences were recovered.

MODUS OPERANDI:  The accused operated in a coordinated manner around ATMs in busy market areas. Their strategy involved targeting individuals who appeared confused, elderly, or inexperienced with ATMs. One member of the group would pose as a helpful bystander and offer unsolicited assistance, while another kept watch to avoid suspicion

Mr. Nishin Valsan, IPS , DCP, Central Distt., said, during the transaction, the accused closely observed the victim entering their PIN, and then deftly swapped the original ATM card for a nearly identical duplicate — all without the victim’s knowledge. The victim, believing the ATM had malfunctioned, would leave, unaware that the exchange had occurred.
Meanwhile, a third accomplice waited outside on a motorcycle or scooter, discreetly monitoring the surroundings to ensure no police or bystanders interfered.

Once they had both the card and the PIN, the group carried out cash withdrawals or made high-value purchases at branded stores using the victim’s account. To evade detection, they frequently changed locations, switched ATMs, and used multiple fraudulent cards, repeating this method with several victims across the city.

Investigation is ongoing to identify more victims and accomplices. The accused identified as  Shahzad R/O Dayalpur, Delhi — Age 36 years,  Arif @ Sharik R/O Loni Dehat, Ghaziabad (U.P.) — Age 27 years and  Mohd. Zaheem R/O Ghonda Extension, Delhi — Age 29 years

RECOVERY: 1 Axis Bank ATM card belonging to the complainant, 80 ATM cards of various banks fraudulently obtained from different victims,  01 motorcycle used during offences, 01 scooty used for fleeing after crime