What Is Zangi App? How Data Gets Erased in 20 Seconds, Yet Terrorists’ Hideout Was Traced

Of all these new high-profile cases ranging from Lawrence Bishnoi shooters and three terrorists, one single fact is common: these had used the Armenian origin-based Zangi App for calls and messages. Latest news reports have stated how criminals used Zangi. The unique feature with which this app is going around is that any sent data or message gets wiped in exactly 20 seconds from any device. Security agencies found its usage in various criminal and terror-related activities, which made them raise questions about how it works and how the terrorists were tracked down despite its self-deleting mechanism.

Zangi App: How Does It Work?

No Phone Number or Email Required: Unlike the normal messaging apps that require a mobile number or email ID for registration, Zangi generates its own unique 10-digit number. This enables criminals or terrorists to communicate without ever revealing their actual phone number.

Self-Erasing Messages: Messages and data sent over Zangi vanish within 20 seconds, making it extremely challenging for law enforcement to retrieve conversation history.
Untraceable Network: Since it does not depend on standard mobile numbers or email IDs, it becomes difficult for the police to trace users and locate them based solely on typical mobile or internet footprints.

Why Are Criminals and Terrorists Using Zangi?

Criminals avoid conventional communication methods (SIM-based phone calls, email, or widely known messaging apps) because these are easy to monitor. By using Zangi:

They decrease the probability of an electronic trail.
The feature of self-deletion restrains the extent to which information investigators can collect from confiscated devices.
The unique number that the app generates disguises the actual contact number of the user.
Trace Location of Pilibhit Terrorists

Though Zangi boasts some very robust privacy features, the security forces have been able to apprehend three terrorists in Puranpur, Uttar Pradesh in the area of Pilibhit.

Attack on Gurdaspur Police Outpost

On December 18, these terrorists allegedly attacked the Bakshiwal Police Post under the Kalanaur Police Station in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and escaped.

Following Their Trail: The terrorists covered 800 kilometers and reached Pilibhit's Puranpur area. Although they were using Zangi to communicate, the law enforcement agencies could obtain a video from the app—the one presumably shared among the terrorists.

Rapid Police Response: The police forces, following the clues from the intercepted video, pursued the terrorists' trail. Within 100 hours of the attack on the outpost, authorities located and neutralized them in an encounter.