How Did Odisha Police Capture Two Fraudsters in a ₹1.56 Crore Scam?
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Synopsis
The Odisha Police's recent operation led to the capture of two fraudsters linked to a massive ₹1.56 crore scam. This incident highlights the growing concern over online investment frauds that target unsuspecting individuals. The police's swift action serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in digital investments.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Police successfully arrested fraudsters.
- Victim lost ₹1.56 crore in a scam.
- Fraudsters promised high returns on online gaming investments.
- Investigation revealed multiple bank transactions.
- Authorities confiscated electronic devices and traced real estate purchases.
Bhubaneswar, July 17 (NationPress) The Odisha Police has apprehended two con artists from Cuttack, accused of defrauding a woman of ₹1.56 crore under the guise of enticing returns from investments in various online gaming platforms, as reported by the Crime Branch on Thursday.
The suspects, known as Kamadev Rout and Bikram Kumar Jethi, are residents of Dhenkanal district.
According to sources from the crime branch, the 38-year-old victim, Mamata Rout from Salipur in Cuttack district, first encountered the accused in February 2024. They convinced her to invest in online gaming platforms such as world.net, bounty game.in, ubitcoin staking opportunity, ride BNB, and HAHM.
Initially, the fraudsters ensured that the complainant received returns amounting to double her initial investments in these fictitious gaming platforms.
Over the span from February 2024 to February 2025, Rout invested a total of ₹1.56 crore into various bank accounts provided by the accused.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the accused, Kamadev, Bikram, and their accomplices, promised the victim substantial returns on her investments, leading her to transfer ₹57,39,471 across 10 different bank accounts. In addition, the victim also handed over ₹98,60,529 on multiple occasions,” stated a CB official.
When the victim demanded her money back, the fraudsters evaded her. Out of options, she finally lodged a complaint with the Crime Branch, which initiated an investigation and registered a case on July 7.
During the examination of financial transactions, investigators discovered that ₹14,77,000 and ₹8,45,046 were transferred to the accounts of Kamadev and Bikram, respectively, from February 2024 to February 2025 from the complainant's and her friend Kshirendra Kumar Sahoo's accounts.
“To further extract money, the accused contacted the victim via phone and traveled to Cuttack on 16.07.2025 and 17.07.2025, where they were captured by the CID Crime Branch team,” noted the CB.
The police also confiscated electronic devices, including the mobile phones of the suspects. Investigators later learned that Kamadev and Bikram had acquired several properties, such as land, vehicles, and gold ornaments in Bhubaneswar and Jharkhand.
Point of View
Incidents like this serve as a crucial reminder for individuals to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before making investments. The efforts of the Odisha Police not only highlight the importance of law enforcement in combating fraud but also reinforce the need for heightened awareness among potential investors.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of the fraudsters?
The Odisha Police arrested the fraudsters after a woman reported being duped of ₹1.56 crore through fake online gaming investment promises.
How did the fraudsters operate?
They lured the victim with promises of high returns from investments in various online gaming platforms.
What was the total amount defrauded?
The total amount defrauded from the victim was ₹1.56 crore.
What actions did the police take following the complaint?
The Crime Branch registered a case and conducted an investigation, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
What were the suspects' plans after the fraud?
They attempted to extract more money from the victim even after the initial scam.
