In a significant breakthrough against cyber fraud, Bhubaneswar police have arrested a 46-year-old man from West Bengal accused of masterminding a cheating and impersonation scheme that defrauded an Odisha resident of over Rs 50 lakh.
The case highlights the growing menace of online investment scams using WhatsApp groups and bogus trading accounts to lure unsuspecting victims.
According to the press note from Bhubaneswar Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police Station (CC & EO PS), the incident came to light when complainant Bhagirathi Mohanta, a resident of Brindaban Garden Apartment in Bhagbanpur, Bhubaneswar, reported being tricked into investing in a fraudulent scheme. Mohanta joined a WhatsApp group named “SMC SIT III WII Group” on October 8, 2024, after receiving an invitation. He was guided by a supposed assistant and group coordinator, Ms Kriti Gupta, to open a trading account with “KIIo8 SMC Capital Customer Care Unit.”
Following instructions from the fraudsters, Mohanta transferred a total of Rs 50,16,000 from his bank accounts to various accounts controlled by the scammers. Realising the deception when promised returns never materialised, Mohanta filed a complaint, leading to the registration of Case No. 19 on January 24, 2025, under sections 318(4) and 319(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The prime accused, Arabinda Paul, son of Shankar Paul, from Holding No. 08, Manasa Tala, Baikunthpur, Tribeni, PS-Mongra, District Hooghly, West Bengal (PIN 712503), was arrested from his local police station in Hooghly. Described as the primary beneficiary and holding an MBA degree, Paul allegedly posed as a coordinator in the scheme. Investigators seized a keypad mobile phone handset from him during the arrest.
The modus operandi involved fraudsters representing themselves as legitimate investment advisors, sending invitations via WhatsApp for high-return opportunities, and directing victims to transfer funds to bank accounts falsely linked to reputable companies. In reality, these accounts belonged to the scammers, who handled large daily transactions to evade detection.
Police have issued an advisory urging the public not to transfer money to unknown bank accounts without verification from the concerned banks. Victims of cyber crimes are advised to report incidents via www.cybercrime.gov.in, by dialing the national helpline 1930, or contacting the Bhubaneswar UPD Cyber PS helpline at 7440006709.
This arrest underscores the need for vigilance in online investments, as similar scams continue to exploit digital platforms across India. The investigation, led by SI K. Mohallik, is ongoing to uncover potential accomplices and recover the siphoned funds.
