New Delhi: Delhi Police’s Cyber Cell has busted a sophisticated cyber fraud network that ran under the name “Baba Kismat Wala”, a notorious Telegram channel that duped hundreds of Delhi residents by tricking them into downloading a malicious mobile application.
The accused mastermind, identified as 26-year-old Nivas Kumar Mandal, a BTech graduate in Computer Science and trained in Cyber Security, operated the entire scam from Jamtara and West Bengal — the country’s known hubs for cybercrime.
How the ‘Baba Kismat Wala’ Scam Worked
According to Delhi Police, the gang would impersonate officials from Delhi Jal Board, banks, and BSES (electricity department) to target unsuspecting citizens.
Once victims were contacted, they were asked to download an “APK” file — a fake problem-solving app supposedly meant to resolve utility or banking issues.
However, the moment victims downloaded the app and entered their personal details, the gang gained full access to their data — including bank credentials, OTPs, and contact lists.
Within minutes, victims saw their bank accounts wiped clean.
“They used technical precision and psychological manipulation. The victims were made to believe they were talking to government or bank officers,” a senior police official said.
Fraud Trail and Arrest
Police said the gang laundered stolen funds via HP Drive Track Plus cards and digital wallets.
In one reported case, they duped a Delhi resident of ₹2 lakh, following which a detailed digital forensic investigation was launched.
Delhi Police traced the operation to Jamtara and West Bengal, leading to the arrest of mastermind Nivas Kumar Mandal, his associate Pradyuman Kumar Mandal, and a juvenile who handled victim communication and persuasion calls.
During the raid, police seized nine mobile phones, five ATM cards, ₹47,000 cash, and one iPad used in the operation.
What the Investigation Revealed
Police revealed that Mandal had created the ‘Baba Kismat Wala’ Telegram channel in 2024, where he used to sell contact data to other scam syndicates.
These buyers would then call victims while posing as officials from various agencies and coerce them into downloading malicious apps.
Investigators said Mandal was highly skilled in cyber operations, combining his BTech knowledge and cyber security training to exploit system vulnerabilities and mask digital footprints.
Public Advisory
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious calls or links.
“No government, bank, or utility officer will ever ask you to download any external app. Such apps are traps. Report all such instances to the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or nearest police station,” Delhi Police said in an advisory.
The Jamtara Connection
The case once again exposes the Jamtara-West Bengal cybercrime corridor, infamous for its digital fraud syndicates.
Numerous cybercrime cases across India have been traced to this region — now dubbed India’s ‘Cybercrime Capital’.
Police are currently identifying other members linked to the Baba Kismat Wala network and have not ruled out connections with bigger organized cyber syndicates operating nationwide.
