In a major push to combat cyber crimes, Odisha Police has intensified its special drive, ‘Operation Cyber Kavach’, resulting in the verification of 32,932 mule (benami) bank accounts across the state.
The operation, launched to rein in cyber fraudsters, has led to the arrest of 331 accused individuals and the registration of numerous cases related to fraudulent activities.
Under the direct supervision of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, district Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) are overseeing the efforts through their Cyber Crime Units. The focus is on identifying mule bank accounts used in cyber scams and taking stringent legal action against those involved.
So far, the operation has registered 1,096 cases linked to mule banks, 34 cases involving ATM cash withdrawals, 36 cases related to cheque-based withdrawals, and 23 cases concerning fake SIM cards or Point of Sale (PoS) devices. Additionally, notices have been issued to 6,723 suspected account holders or accomplices connected to 185 old First Information Reports (FIRs).
District-wise highlights include:
- Puri Police verified 1 mule account, registered 1 case, and arrested 1 accused.
- Sundargarh Police checked 19 accounts, filed 1 case, and issued a notice to 1 person.
- Jharsuguda Police registered 1 case and issued notices to 2 individuals.
- Rourkela Police verified 13 accounts, filed 1 cheque-related case, and issued a notice to 1 person.
- Cuttack Police examined 8 accounts.
- Nayagarh Police verified 238 accounts and issued notices to 14 people.
- Subarnapur Police checked 42 accounts, Balasore 41, and Bhadrak 66.
- Mayurbhanj Police verified 11 accounts and issued notices to 11 individuals.
- Bhubaneswar Urban Police District (UPD) checked 23 accounts, while Cuttack UPD examined 2.
- Berhampur Police verified 8 accounts and issued notices to 28 people linked to 1 old FIR.
- Boudh and Kandhamal Police each checked 3 accounts and issued notices to 3 people per district.
- Kalahandi Police verified 89 accounts and issued notices to 18.
- Koraput Police checked 77, Malkangiri 3, and Nuapada 66 accounts.
Odisha Police remains committed to safeguarding the digital transactions of residents. DGP Khurania stated that the drive will be further strengthened in the coming days to build a cybercrime-free Odisha.
