New Delhi, February 5, 2026 – In a major crackdown on cybercrime and financial fraud, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has disconnected over 39.43 lakh mobile connections and blacklisted 2.27 lakh mobile handsets. These actions were highlighted in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today by the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar.
According to a statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Minister detailed the success of the “Sanchar Saathi” initiative and its “Chakshu” facility, which empowers citizens to report suspected fraudulent communications. The platform, accessible via web and mobile app, has become a central tool in the government’s strategy to secure the telecom sector.
Minister’s Statement on Fraud Prevention In his reply, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar stated that the Department has established a “Digital Intelligence Platform” (DIP) to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing among stakeholders, including banks, payment system operators, and social media platforms. According to PIB, the Minister noted that this collaborative approach has led to the prevention of over ₹1,000 crores in potential fraud losses through the use of the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI).
Key Enforcement Actions Highlighted:
Mobile Connections: 39.43 lakh connections disconnected for suspicious activity.
Handset Blacklisting: 2.27 lakh mobile devices blacklisted to prevent further misuse.
SMS Control: 1.31 lakh SMS templates have been blacklisted to curb phishing and spam.
Social Media Impact: WhatsApp has disengaged approximately 28 lakh profiles and accounts associated with suspicious mobile numbers shared through the intelligence platform.
According to PIB, the Digital Intelligence Platform also hosts the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL), which classifies numbers based on risk levels—medium, high, or very high. This data allows financial institutions and telecom providers to take proactive measures, such as blocking accounts or issuing alerts to citizens before transactions are completed.
The Minister emphasized that the Chakshu facility is designed to be a user-friendly interface for reporting fraud under various categories, ensuring that the government can react swiftly to emerging cyber threats. This systemic overhaul is part of a broader mission to protect the digital identities and financial assets of Indian citizens in an increasingly connected economy.
