Centre tells telecom operators to block 28,200 handsets, re-verify 20 lakh mobile connections

New Delhi, May 10: The Central Government on Friday asked telecom operators to block 28,200 mobile handsets and re-verify 20 lakh mobile connections associated with these handsets.

The Ministry of Communications, in a statement, said they would be joining hands with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Delhi Police to curb the misuse of telecom resources in cyber-crime and financial frauds. The step aimed at dismantling the networks of fraudsters and protect citizens from digital threats.

As per an analysis by the MHA and the Delhi Police, as many as 28,200 mobile handsets were misused in cybercrimes. A staggering 20 lakh numbers were used with these mobile handsets, says the DoT. 

Subsequently, the DoT issued directions to telecom service providers for pan India blocking of 28,200 mobile handsets and to carry out immediate re-verifications of 20 lakh mobile connections linked to these handsets. The DoT also directed telecommunication companies to disconnect after failing re-verification.

The Ministry of Communications, in a press release, said, “The unified approach demonstrates a shared commitment towards public safety and to safeguard the integrity of telecommunications infrastructure and ensure a secure digital environment.”

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken such steps in the case of cybercrime. On Tuesday, DoT disconnected a phone number used in a financial scam, as well as blocked 20 mobile handsets associated with the number, an official statement said.