In a swift and decisive operation, the Odisha State Crime Branch has dismantled a key link in a sophisticated online investment racket that cheated a victim of more than Rs 5.14 crore through a fake stock trading platform.
Two men from the Darjeeling district in West Bengal were arrested today after a meticulous investigation into the money trail revealed their role in laundering the proceeds of the fraud.
The case was registered on 9 April 2025 at the Odisha State CID Crime Branch Cyber Crime Police Station (Case No. 12/2025) under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
According to the complaint, the victim was lured via social media and messaging apps with promises of sky-high returns on stock market investments. Believing the fraudsters, the complainant transferred Rs 5,14,00,000 across multiple bank accounts over 20 days, starting on 17 March 2025. Fake profit screenshots were shown to build trust—until withdrawal requests were blocked and demands for “additional fees” began.
A dedicated team led by Inspector Rajakishore Behera followed the digital breadcrumbs and bank transactions, leading them to Darjeeling.
On 28 April 2026, raids resulted in the arrest of:
- Kiran Gurung, 55, resident of Tiumal Para, Siliguri Bazar, Bardhaman Road, Siliguri, Darjeeling
- Randheer Kumar Ray, 46, resident of Ward No. 03, Gurung Basti, Near Kali Mandir, Pradhan Nagar, Darjeeling
Police sources confirmed that one of the accounts linked to the accused (a joint account held by four persons) received ₹49.1 lakh of the stolen money. During the raid, investigators seized mobile phones, SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and other documents allegedly used to facilitate the fraud.
Both accused were produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Siliguri and granted transit remand. They are being brought to Odisha for further interrogation and will later be produced before the SDJM Court in Bhubaneswar.
The Crime Branch believes the duo were part of a larger interstate network running fake investment schemes. Further probe is underway to trace the remaining money and identify other members.
Public Advisory
The Odisha Crime Branch has urged citizens to stay alert against unsolicited investment offers on social media. “Never invest based on guaranteed high returns,” the department warned.
Victims of cyber fraud should immediately dial the National Cyber Crime Helpline **1930** or visit **www.cybercrime.gov.in**.
