Policeman sacked over bribery allegations in Panchkula call centre scam

A police officer in Haryana has been dismissed from service after allegations emerged of his involvement in a protection racket connected to a major fake call centre scam operating out of Panchkula. The action, taken by senior police authorities, follows a probe into alleged illegal activity by Assistant Sub-Inspector Satish, who was stationed at the cybercrime police facility in Panchkula.

"He was posted in Jind and dismissed from the job by the Jind SP," said Panchkula Police Commissioner Sibash Kabiraj in a video message. Kabiraj specifically clarified on X that investigations were under way as fake WhatsApp forwards were disseminating wrong information which was jeopardising Panchkula Police's reputation among general public.

The officer stands accused of demanding money from owners of illicit call centres, which were recently uncovered and raided by a joint team from the Panchkula Police and Haryana Police. Investigators have revealed that Satish allegedly demanded protection payments to turn a blind eye to their crimes.

According to Sibash Kabiraj, Satish's dismissal comes after evidence was gathered suggesting his direct involvement. The police also confirmed that at least six out of 10 owners linked to three fake call centre cases have been arrested, with ongoing efforts to apprehend all those responsible.

In a decisive strike against cybercriminals back in August that lasted five hours, joint teams of the Panchkula police and Cyber Haryana had raided three fake call centres operating in Panchkula’s IT Park. A total of 85 individuals, including both owners and employees of these centres, were taken into custody for questioning. The raid led to the confiscation of 148 laptops, 78 mobile phones, 21 CPUs, and Rs 12.33 lakh in cash from the three raided premises. Other valuables and lists of victims' details were also found on-site. Commissioner Kabiraj confirmed that properties were also seized by Panchkula Police in connection with the case and details have also been forwarded to ED regarding the same.

After detaining two of the owners, police investigation led them to alleged ASI Satish who provided protection for possible monetary gain. Further questioning also brought up another employee Siddharth in the case but the extent of his involvement is yet to be verified.

Investigations are ongoing, and other police personnel are also being scrutinised for their role in the affair. Officials emphasise that for now the implicated officer and the remaining suspect will be brought to justice in due course.

Preliminary findings suggest that the fake call centres targeted foreign nationals, posing as legitimate service providers or even as Indian government officials to trick individuals into sharing sensitive personal and banking data. After gaining their targets' confidence, the accused allegedly extracted money by convincing victims to purchase vouchers or reveal banking codes.