Fake websites using leaked govt data under scanner; Jalna police submit report to DGP

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Jalna traffic police, while probing a fake learning licence racket, have uncovered multiple fraudulent websites across the country allegedly exploiting previously leaked govt data to illegally provide services to citizens. Based on these findings, the police have submitted a comprehensive report to the director general of police (DGP), requesting further action.In Feb, the Jalna police had arrested Amar Shiv Bharti (25), a private-sector employee residing in Guwahati, believed to be the technical mastermind behind a fake learning licence racket that circumvented mandatory online exams and OTP verification. The racket had come to fore on Nov 26, 2025, after a complaint by Abhijit Kaduba Bavaskar, assistant motor vehicle inspector at the Jalna RTO.The police said the fake websites were not directly connected to govt servers but exploiting data that had been breached and circulated earlier. This leaked information was allegedly used to offer services like learning driving licences and other official documents in exchange for money. Jalna superintendent of police Ajaykumar Bansal said, "During the probe, police found that the data being circulated included details related to Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, ration cards, LPG connections, vehicle records from RTOs, e-challan information and learning driving licences."Police said the investigation began after officers uncovered a racket involving a fake website that offered learning driving licences at lower rates. As the probe progressed, it exposed a wider network of fraudulent portals operating across different states. "The accused serviced more than 6,200 people through these fake portals, which were designed to resemble legitimate govt websites to lure users looking for quick and inexpensive access to official services," an officer involved in the investigation said.Additional SP Ayush Nopani said, "The investigation has revealed that govt-related data was being circulated and used through several fake websites. We have prepared a detailed report identifying the departments whose data appears to have been misused and submitted it to the DGP."Sources said the report would now be forwarded to state police chief Sadanand Date via additional DGP (law and order) Nikhil Gupta. A senior officer from the DGP office said, "The DGP office will write to the departments and agencies concerned so they can examine the scope of the breach and take steps to prevent further misuse of such data."So far, five people from different parts of the country have been arrested in connection with the case. Notices have also been issued to nine companies based in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Jaipur and Surat regarding the hosting and operation of these portals. Among the accused is Ajay Setia of Gurugram, Haryana, who allegedly earned approximately Rs 14 crore by selling illegally obtained data. He is currently lodged in the district jail by court order.