CBI arrests Airtel manager, 2 others in Assam for illegal SIM card racket fueling cyber crimes

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 28, 2025

In a major crackdown on cybercrime infrastructure, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three persons—including the Territorial Sales Manager of Airtel, Silchar—for their alleged involvement in the illegal sale of SIM cards later used in cyber frauds. The arrests were made during raids at five locations in Cachar district, Assam, as part of Operation Chakra.

The accused have been identified as: Debashish Doley, Territorial Sales Manager of Airtel, Silchar; Mahim Uddin Barbhuiya, Middleman; and Ashim Purkayastha, Middleman.

According to the CBI, Doley colluded with middlemen, distributors, and Point of Sale (PoS) agents to issue SIM cards without the knowledge of the individuals in whose names they were officially registered. These unauthorised SIM cards were then sold illegally in bulk to middlemen at high prices. Investigations revealed that the racket violated official guidelines and procedures, enabling cyber criminals to use the SIMs in a wide range of frauds, including digital arrest scams, impersonation, fraudulent advertisements, investment frauds, and UPI-related scams.

During the searches, the CBI seized incriminating materials such as mobile phones, electronic devices, and copies of forged KYC documents.

Officials stated that this action underscores the Government of India’s commitment to dismantling the infrastructure that facilitates cybercrime and to bring perpetrators to justice.

The arrested accused were produced before a local magistrate’s court, which granted transit remand. They are expected to be produced before the jurisdictional FIR court tomorrow.