Fraud in Noida BSNL-Landlines addresses were fake.

Noida's 'international calling' is worrying telecom major

By: Shashank Shekhar   Date:  2010-08-03   Place: Delhi

Several landline numbers with fake addresses have been identified that were used to make frequent ISD calls BSNL officials in Noida have a mystery to solve. Four landline numbers have been identified recently which have been used to make numerous ISD calls in the recent past, with bills amounting to about Rs 9 lakh in total. The telecom operator has ordered an inquiry into the matter as the addresses corresponding to the phone numbers don't seem to exist. Officers at BSNL in Noida are puzzled by the abnormally high billing. Then comes the big question: if there are no such addresses then where were the phones installed? People are also suspecting the role of an organised gang behind this in connivance with employees of the telecom giant. Landline number 2952451 which was taken in the month of May in the name of Rani Sharma, wife of Anand Sharma on the address 110, A bloc, Sector 12. This number has seen the maximum usage of 5 lakh 54 thousand and 614 seconds of ISD calls in one month amounting to Rs 3,45,743. When the company noticed the abnormal usage and non-stop calling, verification of the number began. But it was discovered that the address did not exist. Another number 2952451 was taken in the name Anita Singh, wife of Puneet Singh, House No. 255 at Sadhpur. This connection has raked up a bill of Rs 3,41,115 in a month. Even this address does not exist in Noida but the landline is functional. The other two numbers, which have also made numerous ISD calls, are being traced. Suspicions have been raised that someone has been running an international syndicate with assistance from the telecom company for quite long. BSNL has initiated a probe to verify the documents and people behind this. The matter has not gone to the local police as the telecom company wants to finish its own inquiries first. BSNL General Manager U S Pandey said: "A thorough investigation of the case is being carried out. We will take action against those who have faked the documents and have verified the address and papers wrongfully."