Silchar, May 15: Two men from Mizoram have been arrested by Assam Police in Cachar district for allegedly collecting facial recognition and biometric data from local residents without proper authorisation while claiming to be associated with an American multinational company.
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| Two Mizoram men arrested in Assam’s Silchar over alleged unauthorised biometric and facial data collection linked to a fake multinational scheme. |
The accused have been identified as Vanlalrinchhana (33) and Raymond Vatha Chozah (34). According to police officials, the duo had organised biometric registration and facial recognition camps at a marriage hall in Silchar earlier this week, attracting a large number of young participants.
Investigators said the two men allegedly collected biometric impressions and facial data from more than 200 youths. Participants were reportedly offered cash payments of around ₹200 each in exchange for providing their biometric information and facial scans.
The operation came under police scrutiny after questions were raised regarding the legitimacy of the data collection exercise. Authorities subsequently launched an investigation and detained the two individuals for verification.
Speaking to the media, Cachar Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rajat Pal said the accused failed to produce valid authorisation documents or provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the purpose of the biometric collection programme.
“We detained them and subsequently arrested them as they were collecting biometric data from youths by offering them small amounts of money without proper authorisation or clear documentation,” Pal said.
According to preliminary findings, several participants informed investigators that they had been told the exercise was linked to a “special scheme” involving a United States-based multinational company. They were reportedly assured that, apart from the immediate payment, they could receive future opportunities or benefits by participating in the programme.
Police said the claims made by the organisers regarding their association with the foreign company are currently being verified. Investigators are examining whether the operation was genuinely linked to any authorised project or whether false representations were used to persuade people to provide sensitive personal information.
Officials expressed concern over the unauthorised collection of biometric and facial data, noting that such information is highly sensitive and could potentially be misused if collected or stored improperly. Authorities have therefore launched a detailed investigation into the matter.
A case has been registered against the accused under charges of cheating, along with relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Police said the investigation will also examine whether any other laws relating to data protection, cybercrime, or fraudulent activities may have been violated.
To assist with the probe, technical experts and cyber specialists have been brought in to analyse the devices and records seized during the operation. Investigators are seeking to determine the exact purpose of the data collection exercise, how the information was stored, whether it was transmitted elsewhere, and whether other individuals were involved.
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Police are also examining financial transactions connected to the programme and verifying the identities of any organisations that may have been linked to the initiative.
Following their arrest, the two accused were produced before a local court in Cachar district. The court remanded them to two days of police custody to facilitate further questioning and investigation.
Officials said the probe remains ongoing and additional developments may emerge as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged unauthorised biometric data collection operation.
Police have meanwhile urged members of the public to exercise caution before sharing personal or biometric information with individuals or organisations whose credentials and authorisations cannot be independently verified.
