By Our Correspondent
CUTTACK/BHUBANESWAR:The Central Range Police, Cuttack, have intensified enforcement against cyber financial fraud through the special drive “Cyber-KAVACH”, conducted from 13 February to 7 March 2026 across seven districts—Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Khordha, and Nayagarh. The drive focused on identifying mule bank accounts, illegal SIM issuance, and suspicious financial transactions linked to cybercrime networks.
During the operation, police teams verified 9,254 suspected mule bank accounts connected to cyber fraud activities. Based on these verifications, 338 new cases were registered, 1,322 notices were served, and 24 accused persons were arrested in different districts. Investigations revealed that several accounts were used for account-to-account fund transfers and receipt of fraud proceeds, with many accounts being operated from states outside Odisha. 
Financial intervention measures led to the blocking of ₹50.60 lakh linked to suspicious transactions. Further analysis also identified 1,073 ATM withdrawal instances connected to cyber fraud, resulting in ₹32.33 lakh being blocked, while cheque-based withdrawals amounting to ₹13.94 lakh were also detected and acted upon. 
The operation also targeted Point-of-Sale (PoS) agents suspected of issuing SIM cards in bulk through fraudulent means. A total of 20 PoS outlets were verified, seven cases were registered, and several individuals are currently under verification and investigation. 
Investigations indicate that many mule accounts were opened with small commissions paid to account holders, highlighting organized cyber fraud networks operating across multiple states.
The Central Range Police will continue sustained enforcement and financial intelligence-based investigation to dismantle such networks. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any cyber fraud immediately through the helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
