{
  "id": 3802806,
  "title": "Back-to-back complaints expose illegal SIM box operations in Whitefield",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/back-to-back-complaints-expose-illegal-sim-box-operations-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T19:24:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/back-to-back-complaints-expose-illegal-sim-box-operations-in-whitefield/article71396186.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two telecom companies filed separate complaints against illegal SIM box/GSM gateway operations in the Whitefield area, raising alarms over illicit call routing, cyber fraud, and misuse of telecommunications resources. Bharti Airtel Limited reported the issue on August 15 and 25, prompting police registration on August 26 under multiple laws. The complaint alleged that Airtel SIM cards and associated numbers were being used unlawfully, enabling improper telecommunications traffic routing and causing potential financial losses and revenue deficits for the company. Similarly, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited lodged a complaint based on information from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Police Department, alleging an illegal SIM box/GSM gateway setup under the name of a resident of Rajasthan. The setup could allegedly conceal user identities and facilitate cyber fraud, among other unlawful activities. Both companies demanded detailed investigations, equipment seizure, and identification of the perpetrators behind the alleged illegal exchanges. The Whitefield CEN Crime Police are now investigating the cases to determine if they are connected and to identify the individuals responsible for the alleged operations.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Bharti Airtel files first complaint on August 15 about illegal SIM box operations in Whitefield.",
    "Reliance Jio files second complaint on August 25, alleging illegal SIM box setup in Rajasthan.",
    "Whitefield CEN Crime Police investigating both complaints for illegal telecommunications activities."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}