Chandigarh cyber police nab two ‘mules’ in fresh arrests

Chandigarh cyber police have arrested two individuals who are being referred to as ‘mules’ in a recent operation. The accused are 24‑year‑old Salman Ansari, a resident of Milakh village in Mohali, and 32‑year‑old Bheem Saroj from Khuda Lahora in Chandigarh. Their detention was confirmed by the city’s cyber crime investigation unit earlier this week. The arrests form part of a broader crackdown on online activities that authorities say are being used to facilitate illicit trade. In recent months, Chandigarh’s cyber police have intensified monitoring of digital platforms that are suspected of being used for the sale of contraband, unlicensed goods and fraudulent schemes. The term ‘mule’ is commonly used by law‑enforcement agencies to describe people who act as couriers, moving items or information on behalf of larger networks. According to official statements, the operation was carried out after sustained surveillance of certain online forums and messaging apps. The cyber crime cell, working in coordination with other intelligence units, identified the two suspects and moved to detain them on charges related to the illegal procurement and transfer of goods. While the precise nature of the alleged offence has not been disclosed publicly, the arrests underscore the growing emphasis on policing digital channels that can be exploited for underground markets. Both individuals were produced before a local court following their apprehension. The court has remanded them into custody for further interrogation as investigators seek to trace the full network they may be linked to. Sources close to the investigation suggest that the case could lead to further arrests as the probe expands. The latest development reflects a wider trend in the region, where cyber crime units are increasingly called upon to address threats that transcend traditional policing boundaries. Officials have repeatedly warned that the anonymity afforded by the internet can embolden criminal enterprises, making it essential for law‑enforcement agencies to adapt their strategies. Chandigarh’s cyber police have invested in advanced monitoring tools and trained personnel to detect suspicious activity across various digital avenues. Community observers note that the arrests are likely to have a deterrent effect on those who might consider using online platforms for illicit purposes. At the same time, the episode highlights the need for continued public awareness about the risks associated with unverified online transactions. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution when engaging with unknown sellers or intermediaries on the internet. While the investigation is still unfolding, the arrests serve as a reminder of the evolving challenges faced by law‑enforcement agencies in the digital age. The case also illustrates how cyber crime units are leveraging technology to counteract the very tools that criminals seek to exploit. As the probe progresses, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the scope and structure of the alleged network. In summary, Chandigarh cyber police have taken into custody two individuals identified as ‘mules’, with Salman Ansari and Bheem Saroj being named as the accused. The arrests are part of an ongoing effort to curb illegal online activity and disrupt networks that operate behind the veil of the internet. The matter remains under active investigation, with law‑enforcement agencies promising to take further action as new information becomes available.

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