MP Police arrest cyber fraud accused 1,500 km away in Bihar's Katihar
Synopsis
A Dewas retiree lost ₹6.03 lakh to fraudsters posing as bank officials — and MP Police tracked the accused nearly 1,500 km to Bihar's Katihar. With ₹5 lakh recovered and links emerging to Jharkhand's Jamtara, the case underlines how the e-Zero FIR system is enabling cross-state cyber investigations at pace.
Key Takeaways
Madhya Pradesh Police (Dewas) arrested a cyber fraud accused from Katihar, Bihar — roughly 1,500 km from the crime scene.
The accused allegedly cheated a 62-year-old retired employee of ₹6.03 lakh by posing as a bank official.
Police recovered ₹5 lakh in cash from the accused's residence during the search operation.
Technical evidence reportedly links key gang members to Jamtara, Jharkhand .
Under the e-Zero FIR system , Dewas has registered 130 cases , arrested 26 accused , and seized ₹98.52 lakh to date.
The arrest is part of Operation Cyber , Dewas district's ongoing drive against online fraud.
Madhya Pradesh Police from Dewas district have arrested a cyber fraud accused from Katihar district in Bihar — nearly 1,500 km away — for allegedly swindling a 62-year-old retired employee of ₹6.03 lakh by impersonating a bank official. The arrest, made on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, was executed under Madhya Pradesh's e-Zero FIR system, which enables swift inter-state action in cybercrime cases.
How the Fraud Was Carried Out
According to police, the accused and his associates contacted the victim — a resident of Dewas — while posing as bank officials. They allegedly promised to update his pension card and help him secure tax benefits, persuading him to transfer ₹6.03 lakh across multiple channels. The modus operandi is consistent with a pattern of bank-impersonation fraud increasingly targeting retired government employees across India.
The Investigation and Arrest
Dewas Superintendent of Police Punit Gehlot constituted a special team after the Kotwali police registered a case. The team scrutinised banking transactions, mobile numbers, and other technical evidence before travelling to Katihar to make the arrest. 'The team analysed banking transactions, mobile numbers and other technical evidence before travelling to Katihar in Bihar and arresting the accused,' SP Gehlot said. During a search of the accused's residence, police recovered ₹5 lakh in cash from a cupboard.
Jamtara Link Emerges
Further technical analysis revealed that key members of the alleged cyber fraud network are reportedly linked to Jamtara in Jharkhand — a district that has become synonymous with large-scale phishing and vishing operations targeting citizens across India. The investigation is ongoing to identify other gang members, trace associated bank accounts and digital transactions, and recover the remaining stolen amount.
e-Zero FIR System and Operation Cyber
The arrest forms part of Dewas district's ongoing Operation Cyber, a sustained drive to combat online fraud and facilitate recovery of victims' money. 'Under the e-Zero FIR system, Dewas has registered 130 cases so far, arrested 26 accused and seized approximately ₹98.52 lakh,' SP Gehlot said. He added that Madhya Pradesh Police were leveraging technical evidence and inter-state coordination to dismantle cybercrime networks operating across state lines. The e-Zero FIR mechanism — which streamlines complaint registration and case assignment — is increasingly being credited for the district's ability to pursue suspects far outside its jurisdiction.
Point of View
500 km to make the arrest, which most district forces do not. The e-Zero FIR system deserves scrutiny: 130 cases and ₹98.52 lakh seized sounds impressive, but the metric that matters is how much money victims actually get back — and that figure is conspicuously absent. Until recovery rates are published, 'Operation Cyber' risks being better at optics than outcomes.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What cyber fraud did Dewas police uncover in this case?
The accused and his associates allegedly posed as bank officials and tricked a 62-year-old retired employee in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, into transferring ₹6.03 lakh on the false promise of updating his pension card and obtaining tax benefits. Police arrested the prime accused from Katihar, Bihar, about 1,500 km away.
How much money was recovered from the accused?
Madhya Pradesh Police recovered ₹5 lakh in cash from a cupboard at the accused's residence in Katihar, Bihar. The investigation is continuing to trace and recover the remaining amount.
What is the e-Zero FIR system used by MP Police?
The e-Zero FIR system is a Madhya Pradesh initiative that streamlines cybercrime complaint registration and enables swift inter-state action. Under the system, Dewas district has registered 130 cases, arrested 26 accused, and seized approximately ₹98.52 lakh, according to Superintendent of Police Punit Gehlot.
Is the Jamtara gang involved in this Dewas cyber fraud case?
Technical and banking evidence reportedly indicates that key members of the cyber fraud network are linked to Jamtara in Jharkhand, a district notorious for organised phishing and vishing operations. Investigators are working to identify all members and trace their accounts and transactions.
What is Operation Cyber in Dewas, MP?
Operation Cyber is an ongoing initiative by Dewas district police aimed at combating online fraud and helping victims recover stolen funds. The operation uses technical evidence and inter-state coordination, and the latest arrest in Katihar is one of its recent actions.
