New Delhi [India], The Center on Friday directed telecom operators to block 28,200 mobile handsets and issued instructions to re-verify 20 lakh mobile connections linked to these handsets. The Ministry of Communications in a statement today announced collaboration between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and state police to prevent misuse of telecom resources in cyber crimes and financial frauds. The purpose of this collaborative effort is to dismantle the network. The analysis conducted by the Home Ministry and the state police to protect fraudsters and citizens from digital threats has revealed that 28,200 mobile handsets were misused in cyber crimes. DoT further analyzed and found that an astonishing 20 lakh numbers were used with these mobile handsets. Following this, DoT ordered blocking of 28,200 mobile handsets across India and immediate disconnection of 20 lakh mobile connections linked to them. Instructions were issued to telecom service providers to carry out verification. Handset. DoT also directed telecom companies to disconnect connections if re-verification is failed. The Communications Ministry explained in a press release that, "The integrated approach demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting public safety and the integrity of telecommunications infrastructure and ensuring a secure digital environment." The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken such steps in the cyber crime case on Tuesday, the DoT has disconnected a phone number used in a finance scam, along with 20 others linked to that number, an official statement said. Other people have also been disconnected. The mobile handset has also been blocked.