Have Police in Bhubaneswar Busted an Interstate Cyber Fraud Racket?
Synopsis
In a significant operation, Bhubaneswar police have dismantled an interstate cyber fraud racket, arresting 12 individuals linked to various scams. This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercrime in India, raising alarms about the need for enhanced vigilance and awareness among citizens. Read on for the full story.
Key Takeaways
Bhubaneswar police have dismantled a significant interstate cyber fraud racket.
12 suspects were arrested, highlighting the gang's extensive network.
The gang employed sophisticated tactics, including fake vouchers and lottery scams.
Victims were often misled into paying registration fees.
Authorities stress the need for public vigilance against cyber fraud.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 11 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Commissionerate Police of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack successfully dismantled an interstate cyber fraud ring based in the state capital, resulting in the apprehension of 12 suspects, according to Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh.
Singh disclosed that among the arrested, seven individuals originate from Bihar, four from Kerala, and one from Odisha.
“Acting on reliable intelligence, the Commissionerate Police promptly intervened and dismantled a sophisticated interstate cyber fraud gang, arresting 12 gang members. The majority of the gang members are from Nalanda district in Bihar,” Singh stated.
For several months, the gang had been operating covertly from the residence of Debasish Tripathy, situated on Tankapani Road under Badagad police jurisdiction in the city. The police pinpointed Debasish Tripathy, Arjun Raj alias Bitu (22), Bijay Kumar (24), and Pankaj Kumar as the gang's key orchestrators.
Furthermore, the Police Commissioner indicated that the gang, notorious for employing both manual and cyber fraud tactics, is infamously recognized as the Katri Sarai Gang of Bihar.
“Pankaj was responsible for gathering the entire customer database of NAPTOL, MEESHO, and other e-commerce platforms through agents in his village and also collected mule bank accounts to facilitate online money transfers. The cyber fraudsters gathered bank account numbers and UPI handles from their agents in Bihar and shared those details with victims, instructing them to deposit or transfer their hard-earned funds,” police sources reported.
During the investigation, authorities confirmed that the accused procured counterfeit pre-activated SIM cards from various mobile service providers using fake documents to make calls to customers and manage internet and social media activities. The gang employed three primary tactics, including fake gift voucher claims, the Kerala lottery scam, and fraudulent loan solicitations.
The accused Tripathy, a web graphics designer, produced scratch cards, gift vouchers, lucky coupons, and promotional letters while advertising on Facebook to lure potential victims, providing a mobile number as a helpline for those claiming to have won prizes. Subsequently, these letters, along with coupons and contact numbers, were dispatched to various victims through the post from Kolkata by the gang's agents.
After scratching the lucky draw coupon, victims contacted the criminals, who requested registration fees ranging from Rs 5,500 to Rs 12,000 to claim their supposed winnings.
The fraudsters also deceived victims by posting fake advertisements on Facebook touting loans from Mudra Finance, Indiabulls, and Bajaj Finance. They targeted vulnerable individuals through advertisements for the Kerala Lottery on Facebook, providing helpline numbers. When victims shared their information on these helpline numbers, gang members from Kerala — Ajay Raj, Santhroo V, Ajit M., and Sarath Sasi — conversed with them in Malayalam, extracting money under various pretexts.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize that this incident underscores the urgency of tackling cybercrime. The swift action taken by the police not only highlights their commitment to public safety but also serves as a reminder for citizens to remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes. Our nation must prioritize cybersecurity to protect the vulnerable from these malicious activities.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the recent cyber fraud incident in Bhubaneswar?
The Commissionerate Police of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack arrested 12 individuals involved in an interstate cyber fraud racket.
What tactics did the cybercriminals use?
The gang employed various methods, including fake gift vouchers, lottery scams, and fraudulent loan offers to deceive victims.
Where were the suspects from?
The arrested individuals included seven from Bihar, four from Kerala, and one from Odisha.
What should citizens do to protect themselves from cyber fraud?
Citizens are advised to remain vigilant, verify offers, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown sources.
What actions are being taken against cybercrime in India?
Authorities are increasingly focusing on cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns to combat the rise of cyber fraud.
