Guwahati: Police in Assam have detained about 300 people across the state after a coordinated crackdown on suspected fraudsters, touts and conmen, officials said on Saturday. The operation, launched in 29 districts, was carried out following directions from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma amid growing complaints of telephone-, message- and internet-based financial cheating.
Large-scale simultaneous raids
State police teams conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations, detaining suspects for questioning while searches and verification of identities continued, officials said. They added that further arrests could follow as investigations proceed and more information is verified.
District-wise detentions
Police sources said the highest number of detentions was recorded in Lakhimpur district. Other districts reported varying numbers of people taken into custody as teams executed the plans prepared for the day.
| District | Number detained |
|---|---|
| Lakhimpur | 15 |
| Nagarbera | 13 |
| Bongaigaon | 10 |
| Goroimari | 10 |
| Morigaon | 7 |
| Dhubri | 7 |
| Goalpara | 5 |
| Bajali | 4 |
| Tamharhat | 4 |
| Sonatoli | 4 |
| Chhaygaon | 1 |
| Sivasagar | 2 |
| Golaghat | 2 |
| Guwahati (Garchuk) | 5 |
Investigation focus and pending cases
Officials said several detainees already faced cases registered in connection with alleged cheating and related offences. Investigators are examining the purported modus operandi, which reportedly includes fraudulent phone calls, deceptive messages and other electronic means to dupe victims.
Police are also probing whether the arrested individuals are isolated actors or part of organised networks operating across districts. Verification of mobile records, transaction trails and victim statements is under way, according to the officials.
State response and continued action
The operation is part of a stepped-up push by Assam authorities to curb the surge in fraud-related complaints being registered at police stations. Officials said the statewide action would continue as teams carry out further raids and scrutinise information gathered during the crackdown.
- Scope: Simultaneous operations in 29 districts across Assam.
- Arrests: Approximately 300 people detained; highest single-district figure was 15 in Lakhimpur.
- Next steps: Verification of detainees, linking to pending cases, examination of possible organised networks.
Public impact and cautions
The move follows mounting public concern in Assam over remote financial frauds that often target vulnerable elderly people and those less familiar with digital banking. Such operations typically highlight the challenges police face in tracing transactions that cross district and state borders.
Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution with unsolicited calls and messages seeking personal or financial information. Standard precautions include not sharing one-time passwords (OTPs), not divulging bank or card details over the phone, and verifying unusual requests through official helplines or known contacts.
What remains unclear
Police said they would release more details after verification and further investigations. As of reporting, officials had not disclosed the identities of those detained, the number of FIRs linked directly to the operation, or whether cross-border links were suspected.
The coordinated action underscores a larger challenge across India's states where fraudsters adapt quickly to new technologies and payment platforms. Assam's police action aims to disrupt both isolated actors and any emerging networks that exploit digital payment systems and interpersonal trust.
Further updates are expected as police complete verifications and make formal disclosures about charges and evidence compiled in the ongoing probe.
