An investigation by the CCB has revealed that almost half of the 50 crore SIM cards are operational with spurious identification proof
An investigation by the CCB has revealed that almost half of the 50 crore SIM cards are operational with spurious identification proof
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Faking it: Retailers are allegedly involved in unhealthy competition
andu00a0sell SIM cards to increase their subscriber base. Representation Pic
CCB officials cracked whip on mobile phone retailers based on the central home ministry's directive to check on phones operational with fake ID proofs. The officials have booked cheating cases against Touchstone and Hotspot, two retail outlets of Airtel, which had issued 24 mobile SIMs with forged identification. CCB Inspector Anand Kabburi has filed complaint against senior Airtel officials as well, complaining of negligence on their part as well.
In his complaint, Kabburi has said that there are many service providers involved in such irregularities and investigations are on to book the companies. He added that the retailers of these companies are involved in unhealthy competition and sell SIM cards to increase their subscriber base at any cost. This competition has proved boon for some anti-social elements, who are making the best use of the opportunity.
According to Kabburi, the two retailers who are situated at 18th cross of Malleshwaram had photocopied the Ids of five genuine subscribers and issued 24 SIM cards to various users. Based on a directive from the Director General of Police, the CCB initiated a random enquiry, only to find that the five retailers have issued eight SIMS in the same ID proof of Venkatamma, a slum dweller on Queens Road. Venkatamma had approached the retailer with an election ID proof for a SIM, but using the photocopies of the same the staff issued SIMs to eight more people.
Further verification has revealed that they issued three SIM cards using the ID proof of Mahesh Kumar, four SIM card in the name of Muruga, Three SIMs in the name of Ramesh Babu and three SIMS in the name of Syeeda Asma.
Malleshwaram Police Inspector Srinivas said that a case has been booked by the CCB and investigations are on.
When contacted, officials from Airtel communications denied having any such information regarding the complaints. "We have neither received any notice or information about the cases booked," said an official from the Airtel communication department.
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