Did Odisha Police Really Capture 6 Cybercriminals from Bengal and Gujarat?

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Did Odisha Police Really Capture 6 Cybercriminals from Bengal and Gujarat?

Synopsis

In a significant crackdown, Odisha Police have apprehended six cybercriminals, including a woman, from West Bengal and Gujarat. These arrests are linked to alarming cyber fraud cases involving massive financial losses for victims, highlighting the urgent issue of cybercrime in India. Read more to uncover the details behind this operation and its implications.

Key Takeaways

  • Odisha Police arrested six cybercriminals.
  • Fraud schemes involved fake investment opportunities.
  • Victims lost significant amounts of money.
  • Awareness is crucial in preventing cyber fraud.
  • Law enforcement is actively pursuing cybercriminals.

Bhubaneswar, June 13 (NationPress) The Odisha Police successfully apprehended six cybercriminals, including a female fraudster, from West Bengal and Gujarat due to various cyber fraud cases, as reported by the state Crime Branch on Friday.

The arrested female cybercriminal, Anushka Mitra (24), was detained from the Durgapur area in West Bengal, linked to an investment fraud case with a staggering worth of Rs 74.10 lakh.

A complaint was filed by a Balasore resident on May 6, 2024, claiming he was deceived out of Rs 74.10 lakh by unknown fraudsters who promised high returns through investments in international metal trading, IPOs, and OTC trading.

Despite facing losses, the victim continued to invest. Upon attempting to withdraw his funds, he was coerced into paying additional money, with the fraudsters refusing to release his money.

During the investigation, police determined that Anushka, along with her associates, masquerading as trade analysts, duped the victim out of Rs 74,10,000 through the investment scam.

Additionally, a fraudster named Khikani Dhruv Vijaybhai (22) was arrested in Bhavnagar City, Gujarat, for deceiving a Chhatrapur resident in Ganjam district out of Rs 50 lakhs via a fake stock market investment scheme.

The fraud was initiated through a WhatsApp group called “E141-A.K. Capital Services Ltd Exchange Group,” where the victim was urged to install a bogus application named “A.K Group” under the guise of investing in IPOs with attractive returns.

Believing in the false claims, the victim transferred Rs 50 lakhs through several transactions, only to later find fake negative balances in the app and be pressured to deposit more money. Realizing he had fallen victim to a cyber scam, the complainant reached out to the Crime Branch on February 11, 2025.

The Crime Branch noted, “The accused and their accomplices posed as trade analysts and officials of A.K. Capital Services Ltd, cheating the complainant out of Rs 50 lakh through a fraudulent trading software application.”

Furthermore, Odisha Police apprehended two more cybercriminals, bringing the total arrests to eleven in connection with a cyber fraud case where a senior BJD leader and former IT minister of Odisha lost Rs 1.4 crore to cyber fraudsters via International Metal Trading, IPOs, and OTC trading.

Arrested individuals, Kantariya Yogesh Harjibhai and Kotak Koushik, were taken into custody in Gujarat and presented before the court on Friday.

In addition, two farmers were apprehended by Crime Branch officials for their involvement in a digital fraud case amounting to Rs 1.06 crore, following the earlier arrest of six individuals linked to the case.

Point of View

The recent arrests by the Odisha Police highlight a growing concern regarding cybercrime across India. The sophistication of these frauds calls for enhanced vigilance and awareness among the public, as well as a robust response from law enforcement agencies to combat this pressing issue.
NationPress
14/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cyber fraud were involved in these cases?
The cases involved investment fraud schemes, where victims were promised high returns through international metal trading, IPOs, and fake stock market applications.
How much money was lost by the victims?
Victims reported losses totaling Rs 74.10 lakh and Rs 50 lakhs in separate incidents, among other amounts.
What measures are being taken to combat cybercrime?
Law enforcement agencies, like the Odisha Police, are actively investigating and making arrests to deter cybercriminals and protect citizens.
How can individuals protect themselves from such scams?
Individuals should be cautious of investment schemes that seem too good to be true, conduct thorough research before investing, and report suspicious activities to authorities.
What is the role of technology in these scams?
Cybercriminals often use technology to create fake applications and websites that mimic legitimate investment platforms, misleading victims.