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21-year-old Delhi man duped Amazon by seeking refunds for 166 mobiles, earns nearly Rs 50 lakh

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9 years ago

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Accused ordered phones on Amazon, complained that he received an empty box and seek refund. He would then sell the phone on OLX or at Delhi’s Gaffar Market

In what could well be a mischievous take on the Start-Up India campaign, a 21-year-old Delhi youth bought over 166 expensive mobile phones from e-tailing major Amazon, sought refunds from the online citing a new excuse each time and sold off the phones in the grey market. While the con artist – identified as Tri Nagar resident Shivam Chopra – got arrested last week for duping Amazon, he had already made a neat Rs 50 lakh from his inimitable fraud.

Chopra, who had pursued a course in hotel management but failed to secure a job before he devised his plan to swindle Amazon, was arrested by the Delhi police on October 6. His interrogation has left the police, and perhaps even Amazon, stunned at the manner in which he executed the con for months without anyone smelling something fishy about his frequent orders for mobile phones on the e-tailing portal.

Sources said that Chopra, plagued by unemployment, began the fraud in March this year when, as a way to test his plan, he ordered two mobile phones from Amazon, sought a refund from the e-tailer and got refund vouchers in return without any hassles. Sensing that his plan could be executing with ease, Chopra then began ordering expensive mobile phones from the online portal – placing orders from handsets manufactured by companies like Apple, Samsung and OnePlus – and then cooking up some excuse to demand a refund.

The police said that Chopra would sell the phones either on another online marketplace OLX or in the national capital’s infamous Gaffar Market. Identified by the US Trade Representative as one of the world’s “notorious markets” in global piracy in 2014, Gaffar Market, has a thriving business of selling second-hand as well as pirated mobile phones without the buyer or seller facing hassles like providing a bill or identity documents.

The police have also arrested Chopra’s accomplice, a telecom store owner identified as 38-year-old Sachin Jain. Chopra had roped in Jain to provide him with as many as 141 pre-activated SIM cards for a mere Rs 150 per card. Chopra allegedly used different SIM cards to place his multiple orders with Amazon, citing a new customer name and residential address each time.

Police sources said that all delivery addresses given by Chopra were of places around his actual Tri Nagar residence. Once a delivery associate from Amazon would reach the address mentioned against the order, he would invariably call Chopra to verify his whereabouts, police said, adding that the conman would then guide the associate to his actual residence and take the delivery. Chopra would then call up the customer care helpline of Amazon or log on to the portal and complain that he had received an “empty box” following which – in accordance with the policy of the e-tailer – he would get a refund voucher for the value of the phone he had placed an order for. Chopra would next head to Gaffar Market or put up the phone on OLX and sell it off.

“This modus operandi was repeated for all 166 orders that were placed by the accused between April and May this year,” said Milind Dumbere, deputy commissioner of police (north west).

Chopra’s fraud came to light when Amazon realised that nearly 150 complaints of getting “empty boxes” against orders for expensive mobile phones had been received from the same area (Tri Nagar).

The police have also seized 19 mobile phones, Rs 12 lakh in cash and 40 bank passbooks and cheques from Chopra’s residence. Sources said Chopra had also stashed Rs 10 lakh in cash with a friend for “safekeeping”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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1 hour ago

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May 7, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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1 hour ago

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May 7, 2026

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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India News

PM Modi changes social media profile pictures to mark Operation Sindoor anniversary

PM Modi changed his social media profile pictures to commemorate one year of Operation Sindoor, with several NDA leaders following the move.

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2 hours ago

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May 7, 2026

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PM Modi speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday updated the display pictures of his social media accounts to mark the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor. The new image was seen across his profiles on X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp channels.

The updated profile picture carries the text “Operation Sindoor” on a black background along with elements of the Indian tricolour. One of the letters in the word “Sindoor” has been stylised using vermilion, commonly associated with married Hindu women.

Operation Sindoor was launched a year ago by Indian defence forces and the Border Security Force along the western border. The anniversary was also marked by several Union ministers and NDA leaders, who changed their social media profile pictures in a similar manner.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior leaders were among those who adopted the commemorative display image on social media platforms, according to reports.

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