Senior BJD Politician Defrauded of ₹1.4 Crore by Cybercriminals; Seven Arrested in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
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Synopsis
The Odisha Police's Crime Branch has arrested seven inter-state cyber fraudsters who defrauded a senior BJD MLA of ₹1.4 crore through deceptive investment schemes in IPOs and OTC trading. The fraudsters were captured following extensive raids in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, leading to the seizure of critical evidence and funds.
Key Takeaways
- Seven cybercriminals arrested for duping a senior MLA.
- Fraud involved misleading promises on investment returns.
- Crime Branch conducted multiple raids across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- Evidence seized includes bank documents and mobile devices.
- Efforts ongoing to recover the remaining funds.
Bhubaneswar, March 30 (NationPress) The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has apprehended seven cybercriminals involved in an inter-state scam that targeted a senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA and former minister, resulting in a loss of ₹1.4 crore. The fraudsters lured the victim with promises of substantial returns on investments in IPOs and OTC trading.
These individuals were taken into custody following several raids conducted by the crime branch team across various sites in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu from March 25 to March 28.
The suspects have been named as Jyothi Raju (39), Raju C (34), Ismail Rahaid (27), and Vasim (28) from Karnataka, along with Pattaraja S (34), Jegatheesh Radhakrishnan (40), and E Sakthikumaravel (50) from Tamil Nadu.
The BJD MLA, who fell victim to this cyber scheme, filed a report with the Cyber Crime Police Station of the crime branch on January 13, 2025. Reports indicate that he was initially approached by the fraudsters via a social media message a few months prior.
According to the police statement, “The accused, posing as trade analysts, enticed the complainant with the prospect of high returns through investments in IPOs, shares, and OTC trading. Encouraged by their false promises, he began trading and, between November 13, 2024, and January 1, 2025, transferred a total of ₹1,40,00,000. Despite facing initial losses, the fraudsters persuaded him to invest even more. However, when he sought to withdraw his funds, they requested additional payments and refused to release his money.”
Upon realization of the deception, the former minister reported the incident to the crime branch.
Following his complaint, the police initiated a case under several sections, including 318(4), 319(2), 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), 61(2), and 3(5) of the BNS, and 66-C, 66-D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, leading to the arrests. The accused were subsequently brought to Odisha for court proceedings.
Sources from the Crime Branch revealed that a variety of incriminating evidence was seized during the raids, such as mobile phones, SIM cards, WhatsApp chat screenshots, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, bank passbooks, cheque books, and debit cards.
The Investigating Officer has also frozen multiple bank accounts associated with the suspects. Reports indicate that ₹15 lakh has been frozen in these accounts, while ₹4 lakh has been recovered thus far, with ongoing efforts to recover the remaining funds.
