Guwahati | Nearly 300 people have been detained across Assam in a coordinated statewide crackdown on suspected fraudsters, touts and conmen, police said on Saturday.

The operation was carried out simultaneously across 29 districts following directions from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and targeted people allegedly involved in cheating and financial fraud through phone calls, messages and other means.

Police teams conducted raids at multiple locations as part of the operation, which was still underway. Further arrests are expected as investigators verify the involvement of those detained and examine links between the suspected fraud networks.

Lakhimpur recorded the highest number of detentions with 15, followed by Nagarbera with 13. Bongaigaon and Goroimari reported 10 detentions each. Seven people each were detained in Morigaon and Dhubri, while five were apprehended in Goalpara.

Bajali, Tamharhat and Sonatoli recorded four detentions each, while one person was detained in Chhaygaon. Sivasagar and Golaghat reported two detentions each. In Guwahati, Garchuk Police detained five people allegedly involved in fraudulent activities in the Garchuk area.

Police sources said several cases are pending against some of those detained in connection with alleged cheating and other fraudulent activities. Investigators are examining the nature of the alleged scams and checking possible links among the suspects as the statewide operation continues.

The crackdown comes amid concerns over a rise in fraud-related complaints and cases being registered at police stations across the state.