Cybercrime in Ahmedabad: Businessman Loses Over ₹31 Lakh in Online Fraud

A 46-year-old businessman from Nikol, Ahmedabad, reported a significant financial loss to cybercrime police on Monday, February 16, 2026, after ₹31.42 lakh was fraudulently siphoned from his company’s cash credit account. The incident involved multiple online transactions occurring within a 20-minute period.

Details of the Incident

The complainant, who resides on Nikol-Naroda Road, co-owns a submersible pump parts trading company located in Naroda GIDC Phase-I. The company operates a joint cash credit account with a private bank, with transaction alerts linked to both partners’ mobile numbers. However, One-Time Passwords (OTPs) were exclusively sent to the complainant’s phone.

The fraudulent transactions began following an incident on January 21, when the complainant’s partner received a suspicious APK file via WhatsApp within a group message. The file, falsely advertised as a tool to check RTO e-challans, requested Aadhaar and PAN details upon opening. Recognizing the potential risk, the partner immediately closed the file.

On January 28, the complainant’s partner experienced issues with his WhatsApp application around 1:00 PM. After restarting his phone, he received a message prompting OTP verification to restore app functionality. The app was reactivated within 30 minutes. Later that evening, at approximately 7:58 PM, both partners began receiving SMS alerts indicating unauthorized debits from their Yes Bank account. Over the next 20 minutes, nine transactions, ranging from ₹55,000 to ₹6.73 lakh, were processed without their knowledge. Crucially, the complainant confirmed that no OTPs were received for these transactions.

Investigation and Suspicions

A complaint was immediately filed with the cyber helpline. Simultaneously, ₹25,000 was also debited from the complainant’s partner’s personal savings account with the same bank, leading to a separate complaint.

Authorities have initiated an investigation to trace the beneficiary accounts and the digital trail of the fraudulent transactions. Officials suspect the malicious APK file played a key role in gaining unauthorized access to the company’s banking credentials. Naroda GIDC is a significant industrial area in Ahmedabad, hosting various industries, making businesses there potential targets for cybercrime.

Growing Cybercrime Concerns in Ahmedabad

This incident highlights the increasing threat of cybercrime targeting businesses and individuals in Ahmedabad. GIDC Naroda, a rapidly developing industrial hub, and surrounding areas like Nikol, are experiencing growth, which also attracts cybercriminals. Nikol, in particular, has develop into a modern and diverse area, increasing the potential for such incidents.

Businesses and individuals are urged to remain vigilant against suspicious files and messages, and to promptly report any unauthorized transactions to the appropriate authorities.