Rising Cyber Fraud in Odisha: Government Efforts Struggle
Synopsis
Cyber fraud cases in Odisha are skyrocketing despite government awareness campaigns. Official data reveals staggering losses and numerous arrests, highlighting the ongoing challenge of combating cybercrime in the state.
Key Takeaways
Cyber fraud cases in Odisha have surged significantly.
Over Rs 711.99 crore lost to fraudsters from June 2024 to December 2025.
Odisha Police have arrested 868 individuals for various cyber crimes.
Limited funds have been recovered for victims—only Rs 61.36 lakh returned.
Public awareness campaigns are ongoing but need enhancement.
Bhubaneswar, March 9 (NationPress) In spite of ongoing government initiatives aimed at enhancing public awareness, cybercriminals are still extending their reach throughout the state, deceiving unsuspecting individuals and defrauding them of crores of rupees, as per official statistics.
In response to an inquiry in the Odisha Assembly, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi disclosed on Monday that a total of 4,238 cybercrime cases involving fraud exceeding Rs 260.61 crore were logged at police stations across the state between June 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.
Out of these cases, 2,482 pertained to financial fraud, 1,689 to social media fraud, 14 to hacking incidents, and 53 to other forms of cyber fraud.
CM Majhi highlighted that Odisha Police apprehended 868 cyber fraudsters during the last 18 months. This included 172 individuals arrested for financial fraud, 638 for social media fraud, one for hacking-related fraud, and 57 for various other types of cyber fraud.
During this period, out of the Rs 260.61 crore lost to cybercriminals, law enforcement managed to recover a modest Rs 61.36 lakh for the victims and froze another Rs 8.89 crore.
Additionally, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) registered 27,368 complaints from the state between June and December 2024, and 49,426 complaints in 2025.
As per the portal, fraudsters deceived victims out of over Rs 711.99 crore from June 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
“From June 1 to December 31, 2024, victims were able to reclaim Rs. 2,47,87,268, while a significant Rs. 23,64,30,768 was promptly held in suspicious bank accounts through coordinated efforts with financial institutions and intermediaries,” stated CM Majhi.
The Chief Minister further noted that in 2025, ongoing enforcement actions resulted in the return of Rs 5,31,45,886 to complainants, while Rs 68.71 crore was secured by freezing fraudulent accounts, safeguarding victims from further losses.
Point of View
The persistence of cyber fraud in Odisha despite government initiatives underscores a significant challenge in public safety and awareness. The data reveals not only the scale of the issue but also the urgent need for enhanced preventative measures and law enforcement strategies.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of cyber fraud reported in Odisha?
The primary types of cyber fraud reported include financial fraud, social media fraud, hacking, and various other cyber-related scams.
How much money has been lost to cyber fraud in Odisha?
Cybercriminals in Odisha have swindled over Rs 711.99 crore from victims between June 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025.
What measures are being taken against cyber fraudsters?
Odisha Police have arrested 868 individuals linked to cyber fraud in the past 18 months and have recovered some funds for the victims.
How many complaints were filed on the NCRP from Odisha?
The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal received 27,368 complaints from Odisha in 2024 and 49,426 in 2025.
What is the government's response to rising cybercrime?
The government is actively working to raise public awareness and strengthen law enforcement efforts to combat cyber fraud.
