Odisha Police Busts International SIM Box Racket: Key Arrest and Five-Day Remand

Odisha Police have taken Raju Mandal into five-day custody related to an international SIM box racket. Mandal was arrested with over 1,000 pre-activated SIM cards and gear. Authorities allege a Bangladeshi national rerouted international calls from Bhubaneswar, possibly engaging in cybercrime and terrorist activities.

A local court here on Sunday granted Odisha Police a five-day remand for Raju Mandal, an accused in an extensive SIM box racket, officials disclosed.

Authorities apprehended West Bengal resident Mandal on Saturday with over 1,000 pre-activated SIM cards, routers, and other sophisticated equipment from a Bhubaneswar residence. Police suspect that a Bangladeshi national orchestrated the scheme, rerouting international calls to Pakistan, China, and West Asia.

Addressing the media, Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh mentioned, 'We requested a 14-day remand for Raju Mandal, but the court granted five days.' During interrogation, Mandal apparently disclosed operating SIM boxes from various city locations, with potential links in Cuttack. Law enforcement is investigating whether these SIM boxes facilitated cybercrime, terrorist activities, or fraudulent telephone exchanges.