Mumbai Police Recover Rs 3.15 Lakh in Shaina NC Hacking Case

Gavdevi police in Mumbai have recovered Rs 3.15 lakh for victims of a cyber fraud that targeted people after Shiv Sena national secretary and spokesperson Shaina NC's mobile phone was hacked. The total amount defrauded was Rs 4.90 lakh.

The hacking took place on July 16. Cyber criminals sent fake messages from Shaina NC's phone to contacts stored in her list, claiming an emergency and seeking Rs 49,000 with a promise of repayment within two hours. Nine people transferred money to the fraudsters' accounts in a matter of hours.

When the hacking was detected, Shaina NC registered a complaint at Gavdevi police station. She continued to follow up for more than three months, remaining in touch with Senior Police Inspector Prashant Mohite, Senior Inspector Praveenkumar Salunkhe and Sub-Inspector Virendra Singh Khandade, and pushing for action to return the victims' funds.

Sub-Inspector Virendra Singh Khandade's team launched a probe. Its first major step was a visit to Bhandara district in Maharashtra, where Rs 1.68 lakh in cash was seized. A later operation in Bihar led to the seizure of Rs 98,000.

Pankaj Jain, one of the victims, had informed his bank promptly, and Rs 49,000 was frozen and subsequently returned to him. With these recoveries, Rs 3.15 lakh has been returned to the victims.

Police have said that the accused withdrew Rs 67,000 in cash, and efforts to recover that amount are continuing.

Shaina NC has advised citizens to confirm any money request by calling the person directly, avoid unknown links, and file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 without delay. Early reporting can help freeze transactions.