Kharar/Mohali, July 18: Mohali cyber crime police have uncovered an ₹18-crore online gaming fraud, arresting eight accused in Kharar for allegedly duping hundreds of people across India through a fake gaming platform.
The gang, comprising graduates and undergraduates from multiple states, allegedly used a fabricated website—**www.allpanelexch.com**—to lure victims with false promises of high returns. “They circulated doctored WhatsApp screenshots showing fake earnings to gain trust and convince people to create user IDs,” said SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans.
The arrested accused were identified as Pankaj Goswami, Bhaven Kumar Ulke, Gurpreet Singh, Manjeet Singh, Nikhil Kumar, Ajay, Harsh Kumar, and Ritesh Majhi. The group operated out of two rented flats in Kharar and used an extensive network of digital tools and accounts to carry out the fraud.
Acting on intelligence inputs, cyber crime teams led by DSP Rupinderdeep Kaur Sohi conducted raids at multiple residential properties in Kharar, including Koiyaan City Homes, Gillco Valley, and Royal Apartments. During the operation, police seized five laptops, 51 mobile phones, 70 SIM cards, 127 bank ATM cards, and ₹2.5 lakh in cash.
The suspected mastermind, Vijay, is still at large. “A notice has been issued, and efforts are on to track him down,” a senior officer said.
Police have registered a case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 66 of the Information Technology Act at the Mohali Cyber Crime Police Station. The accused hail from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the national scale of the operation.
Authorities have issued a strong advisory warning citizens against falling prey to such fraudulent gaming and investment platforms. “People must be extremely cautious. Do not share your bank details or personal information without thorough verification,” the advisory stated.
