Ladakh Police Bust ATM Fraud Gang, Uncover Drug Network in Major Crime Crackdown
Leh, May 19, KNT: Ladakh Police on Tuesday announced major breakthroughs in separate ATM fraud and narcotics trafficking investigations, saying intensified enforcement and surveillance operations had helped expose organized criminal networks operating in the region.
Addressing a press conference, police officials said the Economic and Crime Investigation units had successfully cracked an ATM fraud case involving multiple accused and also uncovered wider drug trafficking linkages extending beyond Ladakh.
The ATM fraud investigation began after a complaint was lodged on May 13 by the custodian of J&K Bank regarding damage to ATM machines and fraudulent withdrawal of money.
Police said an FIR was immediately registered and a specialized investigation team comprising senior officers and sub-inspectors was constituted to probe the matter.
Three accused identified as Shivam Kumar of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, Arjun of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, and another accused identified as Monty were arrested in connection with the case.
During the operation, police recovered 21 ATM cards and two motorcycles with tampered number plates allegedly used by the accused to avoid detection.
According to investigators, the gang employed a deceptive technique involving adhesive substances placed inside ATM machines, causing customer cards to malfunction or get stuck.
Police said the accused would then approach victims while pretending to provide assistance, swap original cards with fake ones, discreetly obtain PIN information, and later use the stolen cards for fraudulent withdrawals.
Officials said one victim lost Rs 40,000 after money was fraudulently withdrawn through transactions conducted in Leh and Kargil.
Another attempted fraud involving Rs 40,000 targeted a woman in Chuchot Gongma.
Police said approximately Rs 12,000 had so far been confirmed stolen through the fraudulent operation, while investigations continued into other possible victims.
The case assumes wider significance because investigators found that the same gang allegedly damaged ATMs and committed similar offences in several regions.
Police revealed that around 30 ATMs had been damaged in Jammu division, 20 in Kashmir, six in Kargil and 10 in Leh.
Officials said multiple FIRs had already been registered against the accused at various police stations, indicating repeated involvement in similar crimes.
Police urged the public, particularly elderly citizens and first-time ATM users, to remain vigilant and avoid sharing ATM cards or PIN details with strangers.
The press conference also focused heavily on Ladakh Police’s ongoing anti-narcotics campaign.
Officials said the department had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking and registered 12 NDPS cases this year compared to eight cases during the previous year.
Police disclosed that a major heroin seizure involving 6.88 grams was made on April 14.
In another significant operation, officials recovered 184 grams of heroin from a vehicle intercepted on the Manali route.
Investigations into the seizure, police said, exposed a broader narcotics network operating between Delhi, Chandigarh and Ladakh.
Authorities confirmed that several accused, including local residents and outsiders, had been arrested in connection with drug trafficking and supply.
Police said investigators were now examining both backward and forward linkages to dismantle the entire supply chain.
Officials appealed to families to seek medical and counseling support if they suspected substance abuse among relatives, stressing that drug users required rehabilitation while suppliers and traffickers were the real criminal targets.
Police further claimed that robbery and theft incidents had declined due to intensified naka checking and surveillance along strategic entry routes into Ladakh, including Srinagar, Manali and air corridors.
Regular checking operations, officials said, were being conducted at vulnerable points including Minabagh and Sarchu to prevent criminal activity and drug inflow.
Ladakh Police appealed to citizens to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities and reiterated their commitment toward maintaining law and order and a drug-free Ladakh. [KNT]
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