Mastermind of Odisha SIM box racket managed operations from Bangladesh

Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: Asadur Zaman, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the SIM box set racket in Odisha, was reportedly managing these operations from Bangladesh using a smart switch, according to Twin City Commissioner of Police Sanjeeb Panda on Thursday.

Panda revealed that details and photos of Asadur, who has a background in fashion and technology and founded a software company named Icon Technology in Dhaka, were obtained. Asadur was controlling SIM box centers in Bhubaneswar and Ranchi remotely. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has already interrogated Raju Mandal, who might face further questioning. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also questioned him. The police plan to seek permission for a 7-day remand extension for Mandal.

Mandal, who was apprehended on August 17 in Bhubaneswar with over 1,000 pre-activated SIM cards and other equipment, was found to be under Asadur's management. Following his arrest, a local court granted Odisha Police a five-day remand. The Odisha police have requested help from the NIA and Interpol to explore any potential terrorist links between Mandal and Asadur.

The Commissioner also noted that 17 SIM boxes were seized from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Ranchi, along with 678 active SIMs and three internet connections. Efforts are ongoing to gather more information about Asadur, including his address in Bangladesh and his travel history to Odisha, where he spent two months after crossing into India from Agartala. The police intend to request Interpol’s assistance via the CBI for Asadur’s arrest.

Additionally, Mandal had rented a house in Ranchi last May, which he vacated after setting up the SIM cards. During the operation, authorities also recovered five SIM boxes, 219 active SIM cards, and 40 inactive ones.