In a major push to make Odisha a safer digital state, the Odisha Police today launched a statewide special drive named “Operation Cyber Kavach”.
The campaign, announced by DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on February 11, will run till February 27 and focuses on dismantling benami (mule) bank accounts, fake SIM cards, and organised cyber fraud networks.
Within days of the launch, Bolangir district police achieved the first major success. Officers busted a gang that had opened multiple bank accounts in the names of innocent people and siphoned off more than Rs 5 crore. Two cyber criminals were arrested, and 29 passbooks, 15 cheque books, a swipe machine, and several mobile phones were seized.
In Mayurbhanj district, police registered a case involving the use of mule accounts in cyber fraud and have identified four accused. Notices have been issued, and further investigation is underway to trace other members of the network.
The operation is being conducted based on intelligence and data shared by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Special task forces have been formed in every district under the Superintendent of Police and in the Twin City Commissionerate under the Deputy Commissioners of Police.
Key actions planned during the 14-day drive include:
- Identification and arrest of operators selling bulk SIM cards using fake identity documents
- Mapping and strict surveillance of ATM and cheque-withdrawal hotspots used by cyber criminals
- Close coordination with banks to investigate suspicious accounts
DGP Khurania appealed to the public: “Do not fall for any lure. Never share your bank account details, ATM card, OTP, or any confidential information with strangers.”
He added that through “Operation Cyber Kavach”, the Odisha Police is determined to build a secure and cyber-aware Odisha.
