Latest news with #Arihant
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Time of India
Locals allege police inaction despite raising suspicions in fake call centre scam case
Visakhapatnam: A five-storey building in Bhogapuram's Atchutapuram area had been raising suspicions among locals for two years. The building's perpetually closed gates and lack of essential services had sparked curiosity, with residents noticing occupants with Chinese features. However, it wasn't until the police stormed the building at midnight that the true nature of the operation was revealed. The police apprehended several youths who attempted to escape by scaling walls, and it was discovered that the building was being used as a fake call centre. Local residents had previously reported suspicious activities to the police, but it seemed that no action was taken. The building, which consisted of 40 flats, had been leased by the builder on behalf of the owners. Numerous occupants appeared to be of Chinese origin, and the building stood isolated, with only two three-storey houses situated 30 metres away. Residents shared their observations, stating that young people, including women, were seen smoking inside the building. The cellar, which was initially accessible, was later converted into rooms and sealed. A recent construction of a 40-seat canteen in the cellar had also been noticed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo Locals alleged that the organisers had likely bribed officials, allowing the operation to go unchecked for two years. "Over 200 youth worked there without police investigation, despite local reports," alleged Bhogapuram residents. The families of the detained youths are now seeking answers. Sudha, the mother of 23-year-old Arihant alias Aryan from Rajasthan's Churu area, rushed to Bhogapuram after witnessing a uniformed officer during her son's video call. She claimed that her son was involved in what locals identified as a fraudulent operation. Monica from Gujarat's Gandhinagar told TOI about her husband Vishal's ordeal, stating that he was detained despite having no connection to the centre. "We were here on holiday when my husband's friend offered accommodation in the employees' residential complex. Police detained him and seized my phone. I'm stranded here, unable to communicate in the local language." The police are now investigating the matter, and the true extent of the operation is being uncovered. Investigation reveals structured hierarchy The police investigation revealed a structured hierarchy within the fraudulent call centre operation. The organisation comprised various roles including dialers, bankers, closures, managers, and administrative staff, with monthly salaries ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 70,000. The operation began with dialers, predominantly from northeastern states, making VOIP calls to American citizens. Using their American-style English accent, they posed as e-commerce fraud alert staff, warning victims about suspicious parcels in their name that could lead to legal complications. Following a prepared script, they would then transfer concerned victims to bankers. These bankers, pretending to be US bank or FTC officials, collected sensitive personal and financial details from victims. After evaluating the victim's state of mind, the banker would forward the call to closures. The closures, armed with gathered information, would persuade victims about their predicament and convince them to purchase gift cards and share the redemption codes. These closure agents handled multiple victims daily, generating monthly fraudulent earnings in crores. The managers handled the final stage, converting gift cards into money through online platforms, cryptocurrency, and dark web exchanges. The operation's HR team recruited staff primarily from Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Gujarat, providing two weeks of training in call scripts and impersonation methods. The monthly salary structure allocated Rs 20,000 for dialers, Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 for bankers, Rs 50,000 for closures, and Rs 75,000 for managers.
Time Business News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
The Dynamic Faces Of 2025: Top 4 Personalities You Need To Know
Buckle up for a whirlwind introduction to 2025's most electrifying visionaries, whose unstoppable creativity is rewriting the rules of art, literature, and design! Meet Michelle Ayon Navajas, the Filipina poet whose raw, soul-stirring verses have turned heartbreak and healing into global anthems, with six Amazon #1 bestsellers lighting up the literary world. Then there's Shubhan Balvally, India's genre-defying novelist, leaping from sci-fi epics like Arihant to sleepwalking murder mysteries in Noctambulism , snagging international awards and festival nods with every page. Lauren Beukes, South Africa's speculative fiction queen, keeps us hooked with chilling, genre-blending tales like The Shining Girls and Zoo City , weaving social truths into fantastical worlds that leave readers breathless. And don't miss Stephanie Ayson, the Manila-based jewelry maverick behind Pranca, whose bold, imperfectly perfect designs are redefining Filipino craftsmanship and earning her accolades at just 29. These four dynamic faces of 2025 aren't just making waves—they're reshaping culture, sparking inspiration, and demanding your attention. Michelle Ayon Navajas Shubhan Balvally Lauren Beukes Stephanie Ayson Get ready to dive into their stories and discover why they are the dynamic faces of 2025 you need to know! MICHELLE AYON NAVAJAS Michelle Ayon Navajas, a proud Filipina and former educator, has become a celebrated voice in modern poetry, touching hearts across the globe. With ten published books – six of them #1 Amazon bestsellers – Michelle's rise from the classroom to the literary spotlight is nothing short of inspiring. She holds a Master's in English Language and Literature and began publishing at 41, proving it's never too late to chase a dream. Her poetry is raw, honest, and emotionally charged dives into love, heartbreak, motherhood, resilience, and healing. Acclaimed pieces like 'Holding Hands' and 'Love Happens' showcase her unique ability to make simple words deeply profound. Titles like Locker and I Will Love You Forever, Too have earned her international recognition, awards, and a devoted readership. Beyond writing, Michelle champions emerging poets as Editor for Hotel Masticadores and Masticadores Philippines. Her work often advocates for survivors of abuse and violence, using verse as a tool for healing and awareness. A powerful digital presence through her blog and social platforms has expanded her reach, connecting her with fans worldwide. Michelle Ayon Navajas is a shining example of how poetry can heal, inspire, and break barriers, one verse at a time. SHUBHAN BALVALLY After spending 35 splendid years being associated with Audio & Visual medium, a journey that took Indian Author Shubhan Balvally from Feature Films, Documentaries, Audio Visuals, Television Commercials and Music Videos, he made a successful foray as a Novelist in 2019. His debut science fiction novel titled ARIHANT – REVENGE PAR EXCELLENCE won him the BEST PLOT CREATION Award. After publishing the sequel and threequel of ARIHANT, Shubhan continued to push his limits and explore new horizons, which led him to write his fourth Novel which was a murder mystery. A completely different genre from his earlier three science fiction novels. This particular novel was based on the rare subject of 'SLEEPWALKING MURDERS'. This murder mystery was titled as NOCTAMBULISM – FLOOD OF BLOOD which won him the 'AUTHOR OF THE YEAR' Award from Ukiyoto Publishing, Kolkata. Post that, he published a sequel to this unique murder mystery which was titled FLOOD OF BLOOD 2 – BLOODHOUNDS RISING, which got him rave reviews from the literary world and also the INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE Award from Exceller Books, Kolkata. But that did not stop this 'go-getter' novelist! He wrote the fourth part of his ARIHANT Series which was titled ARIHANT REPROGRAMMED – MISSION MARTYRS for which he bagged the INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE Award from Exceller Books for the second year in a row and also clinched the 'Best Book in Historical Fiction' Award from THE BOOK CHANNEL – A premium Literature Publication for Authors and Readers. Two of his works, 'Arihant – Revenge par Excellence' and 'Noctambulism – Flood of Blood' were officially selected and recommended at the Diorama International Film Festival and Market held in New Delhi in December 2022. All his novels are available on Notion Press, Amazon and Flipkart. Shubhan Balvally is definitely a crackerjack Author to look out for! LAUREN BEUKES Lauren Beukes, a South African novelist, journalist, and scriptwriter, has carved a distinctive niche in speculative fiction with her genre-blending storytelling. Born in Johannesburg in 1976, Beukes merges sharp social commentary with elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Her breakthrough novel, Zoo City (2010), a gritty urban fantasy, won the Arthur C. Clarke Award for its vivid depiction of a magical Johannesburg underworld. The Shining Girls (2013), a time-traveling serial killer thriller, garnered international acclaim, earning the British Fantasy Award and praise from Stephen King for its chilling narrative. Beukes continued her exploration of dark, innovative themes in Broken Monsters (2014), set in Detroit, blending crime and supernatural horror, and Bridge (2023), a multiverse tale of grief and identity. Beyond novels, Beukes' short story collection, Slipping: Stories, Essays, and Other Writing (2016), showcases her versatility, tackling everything from township vigilantes to futuristic dystopias. Her comics work, including Survivors' Club and Fairest: The Hidden Kingdom, extends her imaginative reach. Beukes' ability to weave complex characters and societal critiques into propulsive narratives has solidified her as a leading voice in contemporary fiction, captivating readers worldwide. STEPHANIE AYSON Stephanie Ayson, the visionary behind Pranca Jewelry, is redefining Filipino craftsmanship with her bold, unrefined designs. Raised in Manila within the family-run JMA Jewelry, a 23-year-old fine jewelry business founded by her mother, Ayson's path to jewelry design was unexpected. Initially pursuing a pre-med course, she pivoted to communication arts before diving into the family trade in 2015. Pranca, launched under JMA's umbrella, embodies her ethos of 'frank' elegance—inviting wearers to embrace their authentic selves through demi-fine pieces that blend raw textures with modern flair. Ayson's standout Baroque collection, featuring organic freshwater pearls, celebrates imperfections as unique expressions of identity. Her collaborative approach sets Pranca apart, prioritizing client education over traditional 'alahera' sales tactics, fostering meaningful connections through custom designs. Recognized as MEGA Fashion Awards' Jewelry Designer of the Year in 2021, Ayson uplifts local artisans while making sustainable, accessible jewelry. Her innovative spirit shines in partnerships like The Fore x Pranca, where minimalist gold pieces fuse baroque pearls with sleek silhouettes. At just 29, Ayson's passion and fearless creativity are reshaping the Philippine jewelry scene, crafting a legacy where every piece tells a story. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
