Did Odisha Police Capture Two Cyber Fraudsters from Bengal in a ₹6 Crore Scam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Police apprehended two suspects linked to a ₹6 crore fraud.
- Fraud involved fake investment opportunities in IPO and OTC trading.
- Investigation revealed complex financial transactions across multiple accounts.
- Authorities are actively working to prevent further cyber fraud.
- Public awareness about online investments is increasingly essential.
Bhubaneswar, May 5 (NationPress) The Crime Branch of Odisha Police announced on Monday that they successfully apprehended two individuals, including a woman, from West Bengal, linked to an alleged investment fraud exceeding ₹6 crore.
The suspects have been identified as Ashok Nanda (53) from Siliguri in the Darjeeling District and Jayarani Basak (38) from Khardah in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
According to the Odisha Police, the arrests stemmed from a complaint filed by a victim at the Crime Branch's Cyber Crime Police Station in Cuttack. A case was registered on January 13, 2024, prompting an investigation to track down the alleged cyber criminals.
The complainant accused the fraudsters of swindling him out of ₹6 crore within a span of three and a half months under the guise of investments in IPO and OTC trading.
“The investigation revealed that the complainant had transferred a total of ₹6,04,53,000 to 22 different bank accounts from his own and various associates' eight bank accounts,” stated the Crime Branch.
Following a thorough analysis of the financial trail, the police apprehended Ashok on May 1 in Siliguri and presented him to the local magistrate for a transit remand.
Reports indicated that the complainant had directly deposited ₹1.11 crore into Ashok's bank account, who is known to operate a hotel business in Siliguri.
Authorities seized Ashok's mobile phone, SIM card, Aadhar card, and PAN card for further investigation.
He was subsequently presented before a local court in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
In related findings, ₹6 lakhs from Ashok's account had been transferred to Jayarani’s account, who was arrested on May 4.