Bhubaneswar court jails 7 for 3 years over SIM-OTP espionage link to Pakistani agent

Bhubaneswar (The Uttam Hindu): The Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court in Bhubaneswar delivered a landmark verdict, taking a tough stand against a major network that compromised national security. The court on Wednesday convicted seven individuals for sharing sensitive Indian information with a suspected Pakistani agent through an OTP-based fraud. After a thorough investigation of the substantial evidence in the case, all the convicts were sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment.

Evidence and witnesses exposed the matter, heavy fine imposed

The SDJM court delivered its scathing verdict in this extremely serious case, relying on 56 documentary evidences and the testimony of 11 witnesses. This solid evidence completely proved the accused's involvement in illegal and anti-national activities. According to the press note issued, all seven convicts were sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a hefty fine of ₹32,000 each. The court clarified that in the event of non-payment of the fine, the convicts will face an additional three months of rigorous imprisonment.

Misuse of Indian SIM cards gave access to foreign operators

This entire case involves the serious misuse of digital communications and Indian SIM cards. Investigations revealed that these vicious perpetrators acquired numerous SIM cards and shared their OTPs with foreign operators. Taking advantage of this, foreign agents and operators established communications for illegal activities and gained illegal access to Indian networks. Those convicted in this case have been identified as Pathani Samant Lenka, Abhijeet Sanjay Jambure, Mohammad Iqbal Hussain, Pritam Kar, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Pradyumna Sahu, and Saroj Nayak. According to investigators, at least two of the accused in this gang were from outside the state and, in connivance with a Pakistani agent, played a key role in operating this entire illegal network.

STF arrested the main accused from Nayagarh

This major cybercrime and espionage network was first exposed by the Special Task Force (STF). Acting on this case, the STF arrested the main accused, Pathani Samant Lenka, from Nayagarh on May 12, 2023. Following Lenka's arrest, further investigation uncovered incriminating evidence of a foreign network and illegal financial transactions, leading to the arrest of the remaining six accused. The administration has hailed the court's decision as a major step against cybercrimes and activities detrimental to national security. It has also called for stricter monitoring of SIM card usage and increased public awareness to prevent such incidents in the future.