By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:The Central Range Police, Cuttack, conducted a special enforcement drive titled “Cyber-KAVACH” from 13 February to 10 March 2026 across the seven districts of the Central Range—Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, and Nayagarh—to combat cyber financial fraud, mule bank accounts, and fraudulent SIM issuance.
During the drive, a large-scale verification exercise of suspected mule bank accounts was undertaken in coordination with banks and other stakeholders. A total of 10,031 bank accounts were verified across the range. Based on the findings, 339 cyber fraud cases were registered, and notices were served to 1,408 account holders and related individuals for further inquiry. 35 accused persons were arrested in connection with cyber fraud activities during the operation.
Financial intervention measures led to the blocking of ₹50,60,280 in suspicious transactions, preventing further loss to victims. Investigations revealed that several mule accounts were being operated from outside Odisha, indicating interstate linkages with cyber fraud networks. Many accounts were found to have been opened or facilitated in exchange for commissions, highlighting organized efforts to exploit unsuspecting individuals for illegal financial transfers.
Parallel inquiries were also conducted into Point-of-Sale (PoS) agents suspected of issuing SIM cards in bulk through fraudulent means, as such SIMs are often used by cyber criminals to execute online scams.
Central Range Police reiterates its commitment to combating cyber crime through coordinated enforcement, financial tracking, and public awareness. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any cyber fraud immediately by calling 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
